The Effects of ICT Environment on Teachers’ Attitudes and Technology Integration in Japan and the U.S.

Abstract

The present study analyzes the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) en- vironment on teachers’ attitude toward technology integration in Japanese and U.S. elementary schools. Teacher’s attitude plays an important role in influencing the effectiveness of ICT educa- tion from a variety of perspectives. A number of studies have been done regarding teachers’ atti- tude toward ICT, but there is very little research concerning international comparisons. The inter- est of observation in the present paper is the cross-cultural comparison between Japanese elemen- tary school and U.S. elementary school teachers. The purpose of the paper is to identify the fac- tors that affect teachers’ perception of ICT and how they differ between the two countries. Past research supports the usefulness of technology for students to engage in collaborative learn- ing. Also, when teachers view technology as a possible asset, the effectiveness of ICT is at max- imal. Research in the field of ICT has provided evidences of a positive impact on students’ learn- ing, but elementary school teachers may have mixed opinions about the use of technology. From the latest statistical analysis and literature reviews, it appears that Japan may be more hesitant to ICT education on societal and individual levels