Prediction of and differences in computer use: universal adoption of notebook computers at three undergraduate institutions

The universal availability of computers through the adoption of notebook computers for faculty by the University is an organizational answer to the adoption of computer technology by faculty. The researcher studied solutions to this problem through a survey of faculty at three undergraduate institutions that adopted notebook computers for their faculty and students. Participants completed a Computer Technology in Teaching (CTIT) questionnaire composed of the above measures as well as demographic and computer-related questions. Faculty received the questionnaire prior to the adoption of notebook computers on three undergraduate campuses. The faculty received the same questionnaire one year later. Dviring the interim between the questionnaires, the three campuses adopted notebook computers for all faculty. One of the campuses also adopted notebooks for all students. In the first phase of the study the dependent variable, Level of Computer Use, was determined using responses to the second questionnaire. The independent variables: age, academic rank, innovativeness and subjective norms, were drawn firom responses to the first questionnaire. Two variables— Subjective Norms and Innovativeness—were significant predictors of the faculty's levels of computer use. The last variable, academic rank and age, did not add to the predictive value beyond that indicated by Subjective Norms and Innovative Scale.