ERIC Number: EJ1134972
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-May
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: N/A
Using an Exploratory Professional Development Initiative to Introduce iPads in the Early Childhood Education Classroom
Vaughan, Michelle; Beers, Courtney
Early Childhood Education Journal, v45 n3 p321-331 May 2017
The purpose of this study was to investigate the incorporation of iPads into the early childhood classroom through an exploratory teacher professional development initiative. Eighteen early childhood educators participated in a 6-month study targeting teacher professional development and pedagogical innovation. This study included built-in opportunities for teacher collaborative discussions and support in their team meetings, as well as basic technology training on the use of an iPad in a classroom. A thematic analysis was conducted using constructed codes from teacher interviews and focus groups, as well as artifact collections of notes from teacher bi-monthly meetings. Results indicate that teachers used technology in three innovative ways: as an efficiency solution, as a bridge in virtual parent communication, and as curriculum enhancement or replacement. The researchers of this study argue that using the iPad as curriculum is the next area of professional growth for early childhood teachers.
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Faculty Development, Preschool Teachers, Teacher Collaboration, Interviews, Focus Groups, Meetings, Teaching Methods, Communication Strategies
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A