Internet as an Influencing Factor of Teachers’ Confidence in Using ICT

In an effort to facilitate greater integration of information and communication technology (ICT) within classroom, the Malaysian government has provided intensive and continuous ICT training for teachers to undertake. One of the three major areas being highlighted by the Ministry of Education (MOE) is to use ICT as teaching and learning tools in education. Nevertheless, the MOE reported that many students still have poor skills in the core subjects at schools. One of the root causes identified was majority of teachers are still less inclined toward embracing changes to incorporate ICT into their teaching. This study attempted to determine whether internet is a factor that influences teachers’ perception toward their own ICT skills. A survey was completed by 84 school teachers who taught IT subjects from various schools in Penang, Malaysia. The results showed that in general, the teachers were quite confident in demonstrating their ICT skills while delivering the lessons. Furthermore, it has also been found that those who could access internet at both home and school were more confident in their professional ICT usage. This paper addressed which facet of internet usage is a possible key in facilitating teacher’s confidence towards using ICT professionally.