Grade-Level and Gender Differences in Learning Environment and Student Attitudes in Technology-Rich Biology Classrooms

• In Event: Technology-Mediated Learning Environments

Abstract

The use of technology in schools is now ubiquitous but the effectiveness on the learning environment has mixed results. In this study, conducted in one school in the State of New York where the science department made use of technology as an integral part of teaching, the Learning Environment Questionnaire Assessing Students' Attitude to Technology was administered to nearly 700 high school science students. The questionnaire was revalidated; a principal component and principal factor analysis resulted in new scales that demonstrated high reliabilities. There were statistically significant gender differences in all the scales of the questionnaire; however, only two scales demonstrated significant differences across grade levels.

Authors

• Lisa P. Incantalupo, Curtin University

• David F. Treagust, Curtin University

• Rekha Bhan Koul, Curtin University