FACULTY ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY AT TWO UNIVERSITIES IN THE UAE

This study examines research findings related to faculty attitudes towards the use of technology at two universities in the UAE. A mixed-method study was conducted with 110 faculty members at two universities in the UAE who teach in either an English-language foundation studies program or a first-year and second-year general studies programs. Survey and interview data show that respondents at both universities had very favorable attitudes towards technology, and there was little difference in regards to attitudes towards technology based on whether they came from a university which has systematically implemented technology, or from a university which is yet to systemically implement technology. Data also revealed preferences for using traditional tools like books and paper to teach with, and using books and paper in combination with technological devices. Among the different devices, laptops were the preferred tool to teach with and do other work-related tasks on.