Share Paper: Exploring the Relationship between Middle School Student Technology Affinity and Attitudes Toward School

  1. Leila Mills, University of North Texas, United States
  2. Gerald Knezek, University of North Texas, United States
  3. Tandra Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas, United States
  4. Rhonda Christensen, University of North Texas, United States
  5. Peter Dunn-Rankin, University of Hawaii, United States
Thursday, March 28 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Grand Ballroom C

Abstract: Abstract: Middle school student 'snapshot' data were analyzed to explore significant patterns (relationships) between technology affinity (habits/ use) and aspects of school attitude. Data collection via a hand-written survey battery that included scales to measure: 1) creative tendencies, 2) comfort and learning with computers, 3) attitude towards school (to include like/hate school), 4) perception of being a good student or distracted student, 5) attitudes toward mathematics, science, technology, engineering (STEM), and 6) attitudes towards STEM as a career. Participants were sixty-three (n=63) 8th grader students, forty-five (n=45) of which were on track to attend a STEM magnet high school for ...