Exploring Early Childhood Teachers' Beliefs and Perceptions About the Use of Technology in the Classroom

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how the professional beliefs and perceptions of teachers in early childhood education (ECE) influenced their acceptance for the use of interactive technology as a learning tool for children. Eight primary grade teachers at a rural school district in Washington State were interviewed. Of the eight ECE teachers, two had no student technology use in their classrooms. The second group of two teachers had some student technology use on a weekly basis, and the last group of four teachers utilized daily student technology use in their classrooms. The sample subjects were interviewed face-to-face and asked to respond to an online survey regarding their beliefs and perceptions about the use of technology in their classroom; including technology manipulated by students such as Ipads, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. The data were looked at through the Framework Method and helped determine similarities or differences in the results. This case study focused on beliefs and practices that teachers hold, and how it influences the implementation and use of technology in the classroom concerning student’s use and experiences. This case study provides information for teachers, administration and the educational community. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Education (MEd)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Year dc:date.available

2019

Author dc:creator

• Hallanger, Sharron

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lee Plourde
• Eric Hougan
• Kelly Benson

• technology in education
• primary school
• early childhood education
• teacher beliefs and perceptions
• Educational Technology
• Other Teacher Education and Professional Development
• Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1217

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.cwu.edu:etd-2191