Abstract

This paper examines the perceptions of young academics at the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM) about new technologies as one tool for teaching and learning. Particularly important is the paper seeks to investigate whether the academics are comfortable using new technologies in their classrooms. Ten young academics, who joined the university between June 2007 to June 2008 were interviewed on the issues of using e-learning and simulations. These respondents were chosen based on two criteria, first, they have been with the university for about one year, and second, the NDUM is their first working place. These respondents are attached to various academic departments at the defence university. Findings suggest that the young academics are not primarily comfortable using technology in classrooms. The academics may not be wrong to have resisted technology; other factors may have hindered their adoption of it. For that reason, should the NDUM join other institutes of higher learning in Malaysia to utilise technology comprehensively, the issues addressed by academics must first be resolved.