Investigating Technology Acceptance: An Overview of Trainee Teachers’ Potential Towards the Usage of Educational Robotics

Abstract

At the beginning of past decade, rapid advancement of education focused on technological component such as robotics has become a trend that persist to the present day to meet the demanding needs of modern society. Despite this growth, questions remain regarding educators' preparedness and competency in mastering rapidly evolving technologies, particularly among trainee teachers. Therefore, this research aimed to assess trainee teachers' level of knowledge and skills in educational robotics. Employing a quantitative approach, a survey was administered to 92 trainee teachers from Bachelor of Teaching Degree Program (PISMP), June 2021 Intake, (Year 4, Semester II) majoring in Design and Technology (RBT). A set of questionnaires using 5-point Likert Scale was administered online using Google Form and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, specifically mean and standard deviation through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 30. The most obvious findings to emerge from the analysis is that the level of knowledge (M=3.80, SD=1.00) and skills (M=3.56, SD=1.20) are at high-level among trainee teachers at Institute of Teacher Education, Technical Education Campus (IPGKPT). Specifically, the results affirm the potential for continuous improvement in teacher training programs and curriculum development, which is essential to address identified digital competency gaps and ensure educators are equipped to integrate digital technology effectively. This aligns closely with the Malaysian Digital Education Policy (2023), advocating for comprehensive knowledge acquisition, creativity, and innovation to effectively navigate the digital transformation in education.