The Process of Validation of Instrument Used for Teaching in a 2.0 Learning Environment

AbstractThe use of Web 2.0 applications in education has a significant effect on and is gaining momentum among the educational fields especially in teaching and learning collaboratively. A paradigm shift from traditional learning style to technology innovations has opened up more opportunities for educators to practise accordingly. A small preliminary study was administered to examine teachers’ perceptions and readiness towards the utility of teaching and learning in a 2.0 environment as many previous studies had agreed that teachers’ perceptions and readiness are significant indicators in managing the technologies concerned. The data collected was analysed using Winsteps 3.71.0.1 which applied the Rasch Model based on Item Response Theory Models. The instrument reliability was measured by analysing item reliability index while the construct validity was examined by analysing the point-measure correlation index based on the three constructs respectively. The preliminary results of the study showed that the item reliability of three constructs were 0.96 and 0.98. Construct validity analysis revealed that the overall items in the constructs were correlated positively to measure the underlying construct. Thus, this instrument displayed significant reliability and construct validity in portraying the teachers’ positive perceptions and readiness in using Web 2.0 applications in their secondary education teaching. Consequently, the findings provide useful information which enables teachers to better understand the Web 2.0 technologies and integrate them into Malaysian education and at the same time benefit the learners