This article presents data from a longitudinal study of the effects of providing teachers with personal laptop computers. It considers the role of teacher laptops in learning and teaching in three schools selected because technology was widely used there. Using multiple methods of data collection (observation in classrooms; interviews with…

Despite increases in computer access and technology training, technology is not being used to support the kinds of instruction believed to be most powerful. In this paper, we examine technology integration through the lens of the teacher as an agent of change: What are the necessary characteristics, or qualities, that enable teachers to leverage…

This study explored the viability of tablet computers in early education by investigating preschool children's ease in acclimating to tablet technology and its defectiveness in engaging them to draw. A total of 41 three- to six-year-old children were videotaped while they used the tablets. The study found significant differences in level of tablet…

In a sequential mixed methods design, we sought to examine the relationship between teachers' beliefs and their instructional technology practices among technology-using teachers who worked at technology-rich schools to ultimately describe if change in practice toward a student-centered paradigm occurred. The integrated mixed-methods results…

The purpose of this study was to examine reasons for teacher participation in online communities of K-12 teachers. The authors interviewed 23 teachers from three self-generated online communities and analyzed more than 2,000 postings in those communities. The findings indicated five reasons for participation: (a) sharing emotions, (b) utilizing…

Although computers are now commonplace within our lives, integration within schools is much less ordinary. While access and training are no longer considered significant barriers, attention has turned to the potential influence of teachers' beliefs. In response, problem-based learning (PBL) has been proposed as an effective approach for changing…

This mixed method case study provides insights about how the professional development of middle school teachers is facilitated through their participation in content-focused online communities of practice. A key finding from this research reveals that the online community provided teachers with enhanced opportunities to share ideas, to discuss…

Many schools are initiating projects that place laptop computers into the hands of each student and teacher in the school. These projects entail a great deal of planning and investment by all involved. The teachers in these schools are faced with significant challenges as they prepare for teaching in classrooms where every student has a computer.…

Maine was the first state to put laptops in the hands of an entire grade of students. This interpretive case study of two middle school science-math teachers was driven by the general question: Given ubiquitous computing, how do teachers use computers in constructing curriculum and delivering instruction? Specifically, the researchers sought to…

Uses a case study approach in examining the attitudes and motivations of five teacher educators who used technology in their classroom. Identifies and discusses six common elements of multicultural technology integration and concludes with a general discussion on the need to combine pedagogical methods with a practical vision of technology use and…

Examines the pedagogical beliefs and teaching practices of 17 exemplary technology-using teachers. Findings suggest exemplary technology use, as perceived and practiced by teachers, does not readily match descriptions of best practice provided in the literature. Rather, exemplary use reflects teachers' personal beliefs about teaching and learning…

Describes the benefits of providing laptop computers to elementary teachers. Analysis revealed two broad categories of beneficial uses of laptops: individual use benefits and group use benefits, and findings indicated that access to laptops at school and at home positively affected the teachers' technology use. (AEF)

A Delphi method was used to determine the extent to which current educational software was meeting the needs of teachers; as well as what changes needed to occur in educational software to make it more effective. Five overarching themes emerged: (a) instructional design issues, (b) curriculum, (c) materials, (d) cost, and (e) meeting specific…

This study examined various teacher dispositions that predict technology use among K-12 teachers. The Teacher Attribute Survey was administered to 177 K-12 teachers from six Northwest Ohio schools. This instrument measured a variety of teacher attributes, such as teacher self-efficacy, philosophy, openness to change, amount of professional…

This article describes a study that examined the conceptions of three New Hampshire superintendents as to the institutional conditions they believe impact teachers' ability to integrate technology. Common thinking was found. They agree if integration is to be successful, teachers need a better understanding of how these technologies can be applied…