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The Interim Strategic Plan 2011-2020 have highlighted the importance of leveraging of ICT to upgrade the quality of learning of Malaysia learners (Ministry of Education, 2012b). In accordance with the proliferation of technology and Malaysia government’s vision of providing quality internet-enabled education for all, Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) had initiated a project known as 1BestariNet and it is one of the many initiatives identified under the first wave of the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2015).
Under the project, schools will be equipped with an integrated solution allowing teaching, learning, collaboration and administrative functions to take place through the Internet-based Virtual Learning Environment better known as Frog VLE and a high-speed connectivity to all its 10,000 schools (New Straits Times, 2014). According to Mohamad Mohsin, Hassan, & Ariff (2014), the introduction of Frog VLE helps 21st century learners to learn best in this new era, to become successful in their education and life as well as improve the quality of schools in Malaysia as a whole. 1BestariNet project not simply serve as a noteworthy impetus for internet proliferation in Malaysia, it might increase national income of the country (Hiong & Umbit, 2015). Implementation of 1BestariNet is estimated to keep running over for 13 years and is hoped to transform Malaysian education by seeing more technology usage in the classroom (Cheok & Wong, 2014).
The growing interest in using the internet for education and the introduction of Frog VLE into schools have presented teachers with new opportunities for computer-mediated communication (CMC). Wu, Gao, & Zhang (2014) states that CMC not only facilitate both individual-to-group and individual-to-individual communication through networks, but it also creates new opportunities for teachers to interact personally, socially and professionally with other fellow teachers as well. However, Bakic-Tomic, Dvorski, & Kirinic (2015) indicates that teachers are not aware of their lack of communication knowledge and adequate communication skills. Additionally, the authors conclude that communication competences of teachers are equally necessary as pedagogical skills. Thus, it is critical to investigate teachers’ computer-mediated communication competencies in this era of technology advancement where education emphasized more on blended learning with the increasing proliferation and prioritization of virtual learning environment.
In addition, educational technology has altered many aspects of teacher instructional practices and expanded education for us (Mohamad Mohsin et al., 2014). It has been argued that the key factor in ensuring successful implementation of ICT programmes in school is to upgrade the level of knowledge and skills among teachers (Kandasamy & Shah 2013; Samuel & Zaitun, 2007). Undeniable, knowledge and skills in using technology tools are becoming increasingly important in our educational system in this era of globlalization (Adeyemi & Olaleye, 2010). However, without teachers’ genuine efforts, it does not seem possible to effectively integrate technology in school (Celep & Tülübaº, 2014). Additionally, individuals’ decision to adopt a new ICT tools is closely related to their skills and knowledge or competencies in order to form attitudes toward it and followed by its adoption or rejection (Rogers, 2003). Hence, it is important to investigate the level of teachers’ CMC competencies to understand better the potential role of CMC competence in the development of positive attitude toward using the technology. This study aimed to examine the relationship between teachers’ CMC competencies and teachers’ attitudes toward using Frog VLE in Klang district secondary school.