Measuring Artistically Gifted Students' Attitudes toward Technology Using Modified Fennema Sherman Attitudes Scales

• Main Authors: John A. Dantzler, Kevin D. Bensoy, James A. Siders
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkish Journal of Giftedness and Education 2014-12-01
• Series: Turkish Journal of Giftedness and Education
• Subjects: artistically gifted; attitudes toward technology; Fennema Sherman Attitudes Scales
• Online Access: http://www.tuzed.org/publications/cilt4/tuzed_2014_4_2/tuzed_2014_4_2_dantzler_bensoy_siders.pdf

This study measured artistically gifted students’ attitudes toward technology and compared them to their math/science peers. Researchers administered the English version of the Modified Fennema Sherman Attitudes Scales (M-FSAS) to 149 students enrolled at a residential school (grades 7 – 12) for the artistically and math/science gifted (108 female, 41 male). Analyses revealed no multivariate difference between arts concentrations; however, there was a statistically significant multivariate difference between math/science students and arts students. Further univariate analyses indicated statistically significant differences in all areas except in the gender differences subscale. Math/science students had lower M-FSAS scores, which equate to stronger attitudes surrounding technology. Results suggest that artistically gifted students do not perceive technology as being as relevant to their lives as their math/science gifted peers. For this artistically gifted sample, these results potentially represent fewer career opportunities and creative outlets. Based on these results, educators should imbed into the curriculum opportunities for artistically gifted students to utilize technology for career-oriented purposes. Key Words: