The Integration of Technology Into Instruction by Elementary Teachers In Brevard County, Florida: An Investigative Study

<p>Technology has become a part of the very fabric of society today. Technology's infiltration into business, industries, the medical field, and entertainment has accounted for huge advances. However, in the field of education the impact technology has had is regarded as less impressive. Muller, Wood, Wiloughby, Ross, and Specht (2008) stated "…it is critical to understand teachers' perspectives regarding computer integration in the classrooms" (p.1523). With the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382) the integration of technology in schools should be strongly evident. Currently, twenty years after the commitment to develop technologically literate students, technology integration should be well defined, seamless in its usefulness within the learning environment, a part of the very fabric of the educational setting, and consist of a proven track record verifying the positive results for utilization in student learning and achievements. However, a review of the relevant literature revealed the goal has not been achieved and the same issues related to the integration of technology into education are still being discussed, researched, and questioned today as they were in its infancy (Anthony, 2011; Bauer & Kenton, 2005; Roschelle, Pea, Hoadley, Gordin, & Means, 2000). Allowing teachers to voice what integration meant to them in both practice and definition and the barriers encountered, could shed light on the underutilization of use discovered in literature. New insights provided from teachers could also be utilized by administration and policymakers towards the development of new policies and mandates. Taking a qualitative, investigative approach, two individual and two focus group (n=6, n=8) interviews from four elementary schools in Brevard County were conducted which focused on understanding the practices and experiences of teachers. Results found time, support structures provided by administration, and specific professional development and training's were challenges that hampered successful implementation.</p>

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Central Florida

Year

2015

Author dc:creator

• Spainhour, Cynthia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Allen, Kay

• Technology integration into elementary education
• technology integration
• technology
• barriers to technology integration
• Education
• <p>Dissertations, Academic -- Education and Human Performance; Education and Human Performance -- Dissertations, Academic</p>

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

CFE0006007

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-2472