Exploring the influence of emerging media technologies on public high school teachers

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
John A. Eldridge (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Carl Lashley

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to better understand the influence emerging media technologies such as MP3 players, cell phones, and social networking sites are having on teachers in public high schools. Through the experiences teachers and staff members shared with us, the reader will gain a better understanding of how teachers and staff members feel student personal media devices (PMDs) and school instructional technologies are influencing their work, both positively and negatively. A case study approach was the primary research methodology used to collect information for this study. Data were collected by a research team through teacher and student interviews, classroom observations, and student shadowing opportunities. Teachers and staff members who participated in this study volunteered because of their interest in this topic, and students were recommended by teachers because of their interest in technology. A standardized interview protocol was utilized in both the teacher and student interviews to ensure higher levels of validity and trustworthiness. The data collected were analyzed and common themes surfaced to demonstrate how teachers and staff members perceive emerging media technologies are influencing their role as educators. Results from the analysis show that teachers and staff members believe there are both positive and negative outcomes stemming from technology. Overwhelmingly, teachers feel student PMDs are negatively influencing their work. The data results suggest that teachers are using the instructional technologies available to them to support their existing teaching methods. However, there is some evidence that points to teachers beginning to allow students to use technology in new ways that support engagement.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Emerging, High School, Influence, Media, Teachers, Technology
Subjects
Teachers $x Attitudes.
Internet in education.
Online social networks $x Social aspects.
Cell phones $x Social aspects.
Digital music players.

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