Abstract

The present article describes a research that determined the factors influencing language schools in Brazil to adopt the Internet as a teaching tool. The theoretical framework used was Rogers, E. (1995). Diffusion of innovation (4th ed.). New York: The Free Press. theory of perceived attributes. A survey was carried out with 92 language schools located in Curitiba, South of Brazil. Results revealed that the Internet is adopted in 55% of the schools analysed. Both the model of linear multiple regression and the model of logistic regression predicted 77% of the cases of adoption and, therefore, represented satisfactorily the data from the questionnaire used. The variables observability and trialability were found to be the two most significant predictors of adoption. Adoption took place in 65% of the schools where pedagogical coordinators were brought under pressure by teachers to have the Internet adopted as a teaching tool, implying that this variable may influence the adoption rate. The variables size and amount of time the school has been functioning did not emerge as significant predictors.

Citation

Martins, C.B.M.J., Steil, A.V. & Todesco, J.L. (2004). Factors influencing the adoption of the Internet as a teaching tool at foreign language schools. Computers & Education, 42(4), 353-374. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved March 22, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/166092/.

Keywords

• Foreign Countries
• innovation
• Instructional Innovation
• instructional materials
• internet
• learning strategies
• Media Adaptation
• Media and education
• Performance Factors
• Predictor Variables
• Questionnaires
• Regression (Statistics)
• Research Reports
• Second Language Programs
• Teaching/Learning Strategies