The tension in pre-service teachers’ explorations of tablet technology for literacy purposes: positive beliefs and practical shortcomings
Abstract
This mixed-method study sought to examine the experiences of a group or 21 pre-service teachers in a collegiate literacy education class which required a semester-long exploration of the potential of tablets to enhance the reading skills of youngsters. The quantitative portions of the study identified the participants' daily use habits of electronic devices as well as their views on what is known as the new literacies. In the qualitative portions of the study, interviews and journal entries of the pre-service teachers were gathered relative to their experiences in devising literacy learning experiences using tablets. While these prospective teachers were avid users of electronic devises and confident in their abilities to use technology, they found considerable difficulty in preparing literacy-enhancing instruction which used tablet devices, which clearly points to the need for attention in teacher training programs to the use of tablet technology infused throughout teacher education courses.
Reference
Al-Hazza, T. C. (2017). The tension in pre-service teachers’ explorations of tablet technology for literacy purposes: positive beliefs and practical shortcomings. Teacher Development, 21(5), 704-721.
Journal
Teacher development
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
- mixed methods
- Qualitiative
- Quantitative
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
- Literacy Education
- technology
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
- Five-year program
- Graduate Students
Preservice Sample Size
23
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- Group interviews
- journal entries
- lesson plans
- Survey
Data Analysis Tools
- coding (non-specific)
- Descriptive survey
Researcher Positionality
Research Questions
What degree of confidence do pre-service teachers hold in their abilities to use new tablet technology for instruction?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
How does possession of a tablet for an entire semester carrying out weekly teaching related assignments impact pre-service teachers' views of the benefit of electronic tablets for educational purposes?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
How do these experiences impact pre-service teachers' perceptions of their ability to develop instructional strategies using tables in literacy-oriented instruction?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes