Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Educational technology Educational technology Teachers Education'

Teachers need training to integrate technology into classroom curriculum, activities, and pedagogy. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards and statewide computer based assessments, coupled with technology’s rapid rate of innovation and change, has only increased the need to help support teachers’ development of these necessary skills. The purpose of this project was to create an online-based e-learning professional development training module for teachers to develop their technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) and skills. The design of the training module incorporated e-learning design principles, adult learning principles, and current research on developing teachers’ TPACK. To provide feedback on the design, teachers from two middle schools in Southern California were invited to use the training module, and were surveyed regarding their experiences. Results of the survey indicate participants gained knowledge and skills for using their school computer lab, integrating technology into their classroom instruction, and overall, were pleased with the e-learning training module.

Despite growth in the elementary classroom, the level of technology adoption by some teachers falls short of levels sought by educational stakeholders. To address this disparity, the purpose of this correlational study was to identify if, and to what extent, a correlation exists between elementary teachers’ adult playfulness factor levels and their attitude toward technology in the teaching-learning process. The theoretical lenses of the technology acceptance model and the five-factor model of personality guided the research. A convenience sample of 106 teachers was drawn from California educational organizations who permitted their in-service kindergarten through fifth grade teachers to be invited to complete a web-based, self-reported survey. A significant, negative correlation was observed between the playfulness factor of creativity and teachers’ attitude toward technology in the teaching-learning process at the .05 error probability level (r_s = -.20, p = .040), but not significant at the Benjamini-Hochberg correction critical value of .01, nor significant at the Bonferroni corrected error probability level of .01. Although no significant relationships between the variables were found, administrators and staff developers may find the potential relationship between an aspect of personality and technology attitude helpful in encouraging increased levels of technology adoption by considering teachers’ personal characteristics. Opportunities for future research and practice are discussed.

This correlational-predictive study investigated the relationship between teacher perceptions of technology use and observed classroom technology integration level using the Technology Uses and Perceptions Survey (TUPS) and the Technology Integration Matrix- Observation (TIM-O) instruments, developed by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology (FCIT) at USF. Anonymized data were obtained from FCIT that included 51 teachers from a Florida school district who completed the TUPS and were observed using the TIM-O. Linear regression was used to determine the overall relationship between perceptions and technology integration, as well as the overall predictive value of teacher perceptions on technology integration level. Both were found to be statistically significant; a low-moderate relationship existed between the TUPS and the TIM-O, and the TUPS was found to be a predictor of the TIM-O level. In addition, multiple regression was used to determine the relationship between each of the seven areas of the TUPS and the TIM-O level, as well as the predictive ability of each of the TUPS domains on the TIM-O level. Although none of the domains had a statistically significant relationship or predictive value, several subgroups had significant findings in the domains of confidence and comfort, and skills and usefulness. This study supports previous research in teacher perceptions and beliefs and furthers the research by including predictive relationships. Administrators, professional developers, and support staff can use these findings to target teacher professional learning opportunities in technology integration.

This study investigated secondary mathematics pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) knowledge of resources in terms of digital technologies, and explored the processes of both selection and integration of technology into their lesson plans. This study employed a case study design. Participants were six secondary mathematics PSTs who enrolled in a methods course. Data sources included technology portfolios submitted as a requirement in the methods course and semi-structured interviews. The types of digital technologies were classified either conveyance technologies which are used to convey information or cognitive technologies which enable users to perform mathematical actions and receive immediate feedback (Dick & Hollebrand, 2011). Each task in these lesson plans was evaluated by using the Task Analysis Guide (Stein, Smith, Henningsen, & Silver, 2009). Finally, the intended way of technology use was identified whether as amplifier which enables students to accomplish a task more efficiently and accurately or as recognizer which transforms students’ actions and enables them to reorganize their thinking (Pea, 1985).

The findings indicated that the PSTs’ technology knowledge was limited in terms of the content. It was clear that these PSTs’ technology knowledge, the capability of technology, ease of use, availability of technology in the context, students’ familiarity with technology, and appropriateness of technology to meet the learning objectives were the most important factors influencing their technology selection and integration. Furthermore, the findings exhibited that the PSTs preferred to build their lesson around with a high cognitive level tasks which were either doing mathematics or procedures with connections and their intended way of technology use in these tasks was identified as either an amplifier or a reorganizer. In general, the findings also revealed that when the level of cognitive demand of the selected task was doing mathematics, the intended way of the technology use in these tasks were as reorganizer.

This study was conducted in order to understand the types of music technologies band educators in the state of Arkansas were using, their attitudes towards technology, and the implications training, during undergraduate and through professional development, had on the frequency of use. Arkansas Music Educators (n = 64) completed an online questionnaire containing demographic information, selection of music technologies, agreeability/disagreeability to statements about music technology, frequency of use, descriptions of technologies, and description of how they felt music technology should be used for the purpose of learning. Regarding training in undergraduate professional development for music technology use, there appeared to be no difference between the increase of music technology usage and the increase of more training. Results suggest that participants have an overall “good” attitude towards technology with the stipulation that it should be considered a tool, students and teachers receive appropriate training, and it should be used efficiently.

The purpose of this grounded theory study is to identify teacher factors that affect student performance on computerized exams such as teacher beliefs, professional development, and school resources. Additionally, the researcher seeks to identify student factors that can have an impact on student performance such as student demographics and the socioeconomic status of students.

To analyze and describe any differences in teacher beliefs between two schools, the researcher compared teacher training, administrative support, and teacher comfort with technology as it related to the technology acceptance model (TAM). The question that the researcher hopes to answer, which is a guiding question for this research is:

What factors influence student preparedness for computerized assessments?

The researcher attempts to answer this question by conducting surveys and interviewing teachers. The researcher codes and then analyzes the quantitative data using IBM’s Statistical Package for Research Software Program (SPSS) and codes the qualitative data using NVivo, a data analysis tool, to determine common themes about beliefs about technology. Major sections covered in this document include an introduction, review of the literature, methodology, results, and discussion.

Personalized learning for students has been an emerging trend which seeks to support teaching and learning in the 21st century (Netoch, 2017). This study identified beliefs of secondary educators on the different aspects of personalized learning for students. Areas covered in this study included teacher professional development on the personalized learning process, amount or quality of teacher support for the implementation of personalized learning, the impact of technology on personalized learning with classroom instruction, and any obstacles to the personalized learning process. Findings from this study were compared to identify connections between responses as they related to the research questions. Many teachers surveyed indicated they felt instructional technology was needed but not necessary for all aspects of personalized learning. Most secondary teachers indicated some form of personalized learning was prevalent in their school. The majority of teachers indicated their students seldom or never utilized assistance on problem-solving help from automated tutoring services. In another related area, less than 50% of teachers reported students seldom or never used personalized learning systems feedback from automated systems regarding their own learning strengths and weaknesses. A majority of teacher respondents valued professional development offered to them through the school, as well as the support they received. A majority also somewhat or strongly agreed the professional development aided them in implementing technology for personalized learning in the classroom. Finally, one of the major obstacles reported by teachers was the excessive time needed to develop content for technology-based instruction.

This mixed methods study explored how elementary school teachers who use Twitter extensively use it to support their professional learning and development. Four research questions guided this study: 1. How are teachers using Twitter for their professional learning and development? 2. What do teachers report learning from their use of Twitter? 3. What do teachers say they do with the information they have learned from using Twitter? 4. What support do teachers have when they want to implement what they have learned from Twitter?

An online survey was distributed via Twitter targeting teachers of elementary grades. A total of 107 participants were included in the final sample. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 19 teachers. Document analysis of tweets from a subsample of interviewees and from a sample of tweets from the #2ndchat Twitter community served as triangulation.

The key findings from this sample illustrated several ways teachers learn from Twitter. In response to the research questions, teachers reported using Twitter as a source of motivation and support, explaining that it provided them with feedback, encouragement and peer accountability. Second, teachers reported learning about many topics, especially technology integration techniques. Third, teachers described using the information they learned to alter some of their teaching practices and to pursue other educational opportunities. Lastly, more than half of teachers reported having administrators who supported their efforts to implement Twitter-based ideas. In addition, teachers appreciated certain affordances of Twitter including immediacy, choice, and access to other educators.

These findings have several implications for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers. Teachers reported that they believed they were getting trustworthy information from highly reputable Twitter users. However, it would be important for them to critically review the information and ensure its alignment with evidence-based teaching practices for how students learn. Further, teachers’ responses seemed to indicate that they want input and control over their learning, which has important implications for traditional professional development offerings. As Twitter continues to expand and gain acceptance as a source of learning for teachers, considerations for its use as a 21^st century tool must be taken into account.

This study examined the connection between perceptions of teacher self-efficacy, professional development, and leadership practices and attitudes as it relates to successful implementation of technology for student learning in K-12 schools. As external pressures exhort schools to transform the learning environment and to include more meaningful applications of technology in the learning experiences for all students, issues which create barriers to a successful implementation of new practices must be examined.

This study examined the responses of teachers, school and district administrators, and technology support personnel in a stratified random sample from 37 school districts in the state of Oregon to analyze the combined effects of teacher self-efficacy perceptions, leadership practices, and professional development as they relate to the implementation of classroom educational technology.

The study revealed perceptual differences between staff roles of what teachers know about technology and how they use technology. School contexts, such as percentages of disadvantaged or non-White students, and teacher factors, such as age and gender, affected participant perception of technology implementations and of professional development opportunities.

The researcher proposes a new framework for understanding school contexts and for planning successful technology implementations based upon a review of literature and original research.

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of Missouri public school early childhood teachers and administrators in regard to technology and current practices. If educators have not analyzed their current perceptions regarding technology, they may not use developmentally appropriate technology practices with students (Dietze & Kashin, 2013). According to Anderkin (2015), the position statement from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning offers guidance for developmentally appropriate technology practices in early childhood. Participants in this study were asked interview questions to determine their perceptions of technology in early childhood classrooms. The interview questions were also utilized to identify what teaching strategies were currently being used when implementing technology and the perceptions of early childhood educators in terms of professional development regarding technology in early childhood. High-quality professional development opportunities for early childhood educators play a role in developmentally appropriate technology integration (White, 2015). The sample group for the study included nine Missouri Preschool Program (MPP) teachers affiliated with public schools in southwest Missouri and nine administrators affiliated with public schools in southwest Missouri with a minimum of one MPP classroom. Results from this study indicated most early childhood educators are in favor of technology in the classroom in moderation. Both teachers and administrators reported a lack of professional development opportunities specific to implementation of technology in early childhood.

Online professional development (online PD), the acquisition of new skills and knowledge related to the teaching profession via the Internet, is an emerging field for teachers. This mixed- methods research explored the impact of an online PD program on high school teachers’ self-efficacy levels, classroom instruction, and the role that school culture played on teachers accepting or rejecting the online PD. Within a social cognitive theory lens, this study helped frame teacher attitudes and adult learning in the context of school culture.

Phase 1 of this study used quantitative data from two surveys called PRE and POST, which were taken before and after the online PD program, respectively. Qualitative data were collected in Phase 2, using the International Society for Technology in Education Classroom Observation Tool (ICOT), participants’ journal reflections, and interviews. Findings indicated statistically significant changes in self-efficacy levels for eight of the 21 survey items and minimal changes in technology use during instruction. Furthermore, various aspects of school culture independently affected teachers’ inclination to accept or reject the online PD. Findings supported the concept of designing personalized professional development programs tailored to the individual’s specific learning styles, attitudes, and experiences of school culture.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gain a better understanding of how induction programs might effectively support STEM K?8 teacher preparation. American schools are not producing competent STEM graduates prepared to meet employment demands. Over the next decade, STEM employment opportunities are expected to increase twice as fast as all other occupations combined. To meet the economic needs, the STEM pipeline must be expanded to educate and produce additional STEM graduates. The meeting of this objective begins with having the teachers working in American classrooms fully prepared and trained in STEM content, curriculum, and pedagogy. Research shows that the interest in STEM subjects starts in elementary school and, therefore, the preparation of elementary teachers to be proficient in teaching STEM to their students is vital. However, most induction programs do not focus on preparing their teachers in STEM. This study researched the Alternative Induction Pathway (AIP) program, which had STEM preparation as one of its core outcomes in the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). It investigated the program?s effectiveness in preparing K?8 teachers with STEM content knowledge, curriculum, pedagogical instruction preparation, and the program elements that contributed the most to their experience in the program and overall STEM preparation as a result. This study was carried out over the course of approximately 6 months. Data included focused interviews with participants as well as analysis of existing documents in order to triangulate perspectives from multiple sources. The AIP program had varied levels of effectiveness in STEM content, curriculum, and pedagogy preparation. Relationships between the induction mentor, the administration, and the participating teacher, when strong and positive, were powerful contributions to the success of the acquisition and integration of the STEM content, curriculum, and pedagogy. The most effective components of the AIP program were the monthly support groups, the curricular resources, and the professional development nights facilitating the teaching and learning process for the participating teacher in STEM integration. The results of this training included examples of well-planned and executed STEM lessons with creative risk-taking, and enhanced confidence for teachers and administrators alike. At the same time, the AIP program had struggles in achieving the desired outcomes of STEM integration, due to lack of preliminary training for program administrators in STEM integration, varied needs between the MS and SS credential teachers, and state standard requirements that spoke to science and mathematics, but not engineering or technology. The main recommendation for policy from the results of this study is that STEM should be woven into preservice and continue through induction and professional development to become one of the main tenets of curriculum development and standards of effective teaching. This policy would affect colleges of education and district induction programs, requiring that STEM courses be added or embedded into the credential pathways. However, this approach would ensure that STEM integration is supported academically as an important and valued aspect of the teacher?s entrance to their career, and that pre-service teachers are ready to take advantage of induction offerings on STEM integration in the induction phase and throughout their careers in continuing professional development. The study also provides practice and research recommendations in regard to possible roles and supports for mentor teachers, including their relationships with resident teachers, as well as suggestions for and to maximize the benefits for effective teaching and learning during the induction process.

Technology usage in educational setting has gained ground in African countries, especially in Nigeria. Although technology resources in education are financed by the Nigerian government, the teachers required to use and implement such technology are not always accepting of technology use. The purpose of this quantitative correlational research was to examine any if there was a relationship between teachers’ perceptions of technology integration, level of technology integration, teachers’ age, educational level, grade level taught, years of experience, and content areas taught. The theoretical framework of the study was Bem’s self-perception theory. Participants included 374 teachers from the Oyo State teaching service commission (TESCOM) drafted from two zonal offices in the Ibadan metropolis. Participants completed the Teacher Technology Integration Survey (TTIS) which was adapted from the Technology Integration Survey (TIS). Data analyses included both descriptive and correlational Spearman’s rank. The results indicated there is a positive relationship in teachers’ gender, grade level taught, years of experience, or content areas taught and technology integration. A moderate positive linear relationship was found between technology integration between teachers aged 30 and below and 50 and above; whereas there was a weak positive linear relationship between teachers of age 30 and below and 31–40. A statistically weak negative relationship was found in levels of education; between a doctoral degree and Nigerian certificate of education (NCE), and also between a doctorate and bachelor’s and master’s. Recommendations include increased technology orientation and training for teachers.

One-to-One Technology Device Integration in Grades 3-5 and the Beliefs & Actions of Teachers and District-Level Leaders One-to-One technology initiatives began in the 1990’s and have expanded over time. It is not about distributing devices but rather how those devices transform teaching and learning. Educators need to harness the power of technology devices to engage students in learning, enhance teaching, and provide opportunities for personalized learning. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed student standards that provide a framework for teachers to guide them in developing content-rich lessons that are supported and enhanced by the use of technology devices.

The purpose of this study was to examine how teachers in grades three through five operationalize the seven ISTE student standards in schools with one-to-one technology devices. The types of projects designed and implemented with students, as well as the actions taken by leaders to provide systems of instructional technology support, professional development opportunities and systems for learning for teachers was explored. Data was collected through interviews with third through fifth grade teachers and leaders in two districts that have implemented one-to-one student technology devices in their schools.

A qualitative design was used and data was collected from interviews with twelve leaders, six teachers and a technology integration specialist from two school districts in the Capital Region of New York State that had implemented one-to-one initiatives in their districts. The data was analyzed to develop findings to answer three research questions. The findings of this study indicate that educational leaders who have implemented one-to one student technology in their district recognize that it is not about the device but more about the learning. Teachers reported that one-to-one student technology devices do not replace quality instruction but rather see the devices as a tool to increase motivation and engagement. A formal assessment to gather data to determine the effectiveness of implementing one-to-one student technology devices is needed.

Conclusions from this study indicate that one-to-one student technology provide the opportunity for teachers to engage students in learning, differentiate and personalize learning, and allow students to be creators of their own learning. This study indicates that when implementing a one-to-one initiative, leaders who provide time for professional development through the creation of social networks of learning and technical support for student technology devices foster the successful implementation of a one-to-one initiative. Recommendations include supporting professional development on the ISTE standards, designing schedules that provide common time for teachers to learn about technology integration, requiring the inclusion of professional development for technology integration in district professional development plans and teacher and leader certification programs, and future studies.

In an ever-changing labyrinth of standards, accountability, and standardized testing, educators seek ways to improve instruction. Teachers need learning experiences that help them navigate an environment in which a growing list of student performance standards and standardized tests determine their success in teacher evaluations (Crawford, 2015; Terehoff, 2002). In this same pursuit, many administrators are challenged in their efforts to provide meaningful professional development to support teachers (Terehoff, 2002). The goal of this study is to gain insight into which TPD delivery types and which levels of student presence create the most meaningful and applicable learning for educators and to provide insight and guidance to administrators and TPD planners who are seeking ways to provide quality TPD.

The study data was gathered through qualitative methods, including participant observation, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The data was exlored through the SPLT model. The major findings of the study suggest that higher model levels—which included student physical presence—led to an increased application of teacher-learning in the classroom and an increased confidence in attempting to apply newly learned techniques and tools. Teachers also suggested that these in-classroom session were more valuable when a pre- or post-discussion accompanied the session. The results demonstrated that learning at all model levels had value for different intended learning purposes. They also suggested that the TPD learning could be more effective when lower model level sessions are followed up with higher-level SPLT model sessions that occur in the classroom during instructional time with students physically present.

Changes in the field of education require teachers’ acquisition of specific knowledge of technology and the skills of its effective use in the classroom. With the expansion of the traditional classroom to include virtual learning environments, concern still exists regarding characteristics necessary for quality teaching and learning.

This research is an examination of pre-service teachers’ needs relevant to integrating technology in an online learning environment. It is a first step toward acknowledging the responsibility teacher preparation programs have in the formation of educators equipped to instruct in dual learning environments, thus providing pre-service teachers with opportunities and experiences to become fluent in the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) required for online learning environments as well as the traditional face-to-face instruction.

The purpose of this study was to determine if active engagement with content of an online instruction module would affect the attitudes, knowledge and skills, and instructional centeredness of pre-service teachers’ towards technology integration in an online learning environment. A mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design procedure was utilized to measure characteristics of pre-service teachers in a teacher preparation program. A two-way within-subjects analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of engagement with the content of the online instruction module for all three domains. Participants began the intervention with limited knowledge and skills of technology integration and online learning environments; however, they made statistically significant gains upon completion of the intervention. The implementation of an intervention such as this online instruction module may support other teacher preparation programs in identifying strengths and weaknesses of their pre-service teachers and provide valuable information necessary to guide program goals.

Computer algebra systems (CAS) have been available for over 20 years and yet minimal CAS-rich opportunities present themselves formally to high school students. CAS tools have become readily accessible through free or inexpensive versions. Educators are emboldened to integrate essential mathematical tools in the reasoning and sense making of mathematical knowledge for students. It is the teacher that is at the heart of technology instruction, creating authentic environments for all learners.

This study investigated two secondary teachers pedagogy in classes that exploited CAS in the development of mathematical knowledge. A qualitative within-site case study design was used to explore each teacher’s instructional practices. Teachers that exemplified qualities of CAS-infused instruction were purposively selected. Rich descriptive lesson vignettes as captured from classroom observations, written reflections, and interviews revealed participants’ pedagogy. The pedagogical map framework guided the identification of participant pedagogical affordances of the utilization of CAS. Eight opportunities were observed as exploited by the participants that included subject level adjustments; classroom interpersonal dynamics with students; and mathematical tasks. Data revealed several emergent themes in operation as the teacher participants oriented their mathematics instruction: viewing CAS as a mathematical consultant, verifying answers, applying multiple representations, regulating access, providing guidance, and outsourcing procedures. The components interlock with one another to form a cohesive depiction of pedagogical decisions in the presence of CAS-rich classroom instruction. The schema of CAS-oriented instruction serves as a methodology for educators to create opportunities that enrich the development of mathematical content knowledge.

The purpose of this study was to examine Kuwaiti mathematical elementary teachers’ perceptions about their ability to integrate M-learning (mobile learning) into their current teaching practices and the major barriers hindering teachers’ ability to create an M-learning environment. Furthermore, this study sought to understand teachers’ perceptions about their ability to create a collaborative cloud-computing learning environment that corresponds with the 21st century skills and possibly explain their readiness for future reformation of education in Kuwait.

Using an Internet-based format to this study quantitative and qualitative data, the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and barriers survey gleaned quantitative information about how mathematics teachers and a head of a mathematics department (n = 562) viewed use of technology as well as the barriers they faced in integrating it into the classroom. Also, qualitative data were collected using a survey of open-ended questions to provide context to survey answers and better understand the barriers and affordance experienced by the participants. Moreover, a 21st century open-ended questionnaire was employed to collect qualitative information from mathematics teachers and head of the departments (n = 21) in regard the their ability to construct a 21st century learning environment based on collaboration and constructivist perspective utilizing a cloud-computing technology.

Quantitative analysis was utilized to examine elementary mathematics teachers’ perceptions using the TPACK survey, and the validity and reliability of the TPACK subscales were computed by administering the confirmatory factor analysis. Factors that were elicited were specified as: all seven subscales encompassed in the TPACK survey significantly fit model of factor structures, and the TPACK survey was reliable and valid. In addition, descriptive analysis such as the TPACK subscale means and standard deviations were computed via the SPSS software.

Qualitative content analysis was used to understand teachers’ perceptions about their ability to integrate mobile technology, perceptions of the primary barriers and affordance that limited their ability, and their perceptions of their ability to integrate collaborative cloud computing and create a 21st century learning environment based on the constructivist perspective. When analyzed, the self-reported open-ended survey yielded the following specific themes: (a) teachers perceived themselves high in their ability to integrate mobile technology; (b) the primary barriers based on teachers’ perceptions were budget constraints, IT limitations, time constraints, and administrative support; and (c) teachers perceived themselves high in their ability to integrate collaborative cloud computing to construct a 21st century learning environment based on the constructivist perspective. This study finding could be implemented to create a new modern mathematics elementary curriculum that resolves the current curriculum issues. Future research is recommended in the direction of creating a new mathematical curriculum based on administrators’, parents’, and students’ perspectives.