Computers and human interaction
Date
1998
Authors
Heerze, Hank L.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1998
Abstract
This project addresses computers and human interaction in junior and senior high
schools. The focus of the study is people— their attitudes and opinions regarding the
impact of computers on human interaction, people's effect on computer implementation,
and how computers can be used. Since these attitudes of individuals are important, it is
the intent of this project to identify, gather, and compare the attitudes of students,
teachers, parents, and senior administration. The implications of this study are to allow
for personal use and for the development of strategies to implement and use computers in
the school. The study itself consists of three components: a survey of the before
mentioned individuals, a written response component in which respondents could
elaborate on their responses, and an interview process with four survey respondents.
The survey component comprises a questionnaire to determine attitudes regarding
computer impact on human interaction, attitudes regarding the influence people have on
computer implementation, and computer use.
The written response aspect of the instrument is intended to give all respondents
the option of expanding on or explaining their responses to specific survey statements.
The third portion of the study, the interview, is designed to produce rationale and
greater insight into responses, providing additional information for comparison.
Eighty-five of the one-hundred and thirty surveys were returned. The differences
in attitudes between the groups are statistically insignificant. In general, computers are
not seen as having a negative impact on human interaction, it is suggested that if at all, not seen as having a negative impact on human interaction, it is suggested that if at all,
computers produce positive influences on interaction. Responses vary somewhat
regarding implementation; fear, teacher training, and money are at the forefront.
Attitudes are mixed regarding computer use. However, stronger attitudes do not support
teacher replacement by computers.
Description
vii, 59 leaves ; 28 cm. --
Keywords
Computers -- Social aspects , Education -- Data processing