Date of Award
Spring 2-2017
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Shelly Fransen
Second Advisor
Dr. Sherry DeVore
Third Advisor
Dr. Michelle Brenner
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of Missouri public school early childhood teachers and administrators in regard to technology and current practices. If educators have not analyzed their current perceptions regarding technology, they may not use developmentally appropriate technology practices with students (Dietze & Kashin, 2013). According to Anderkin (2015), the position statement from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning offers guidance for developmentally appropriate technology practices in early childhood. Participants in this study were asked interview questions to determine their perceptions of technology in early childhood classrooms. The interview questions were also utilized to identify what teaching strategies were currently being used when implementing technology and the perceptions of early childhood educators in terms of professional development regarding technology in early childhood. High-quality professional development opportunities for early childhood educators play a role in developmentally appropriate technology integration (White, 2015). The sample group for the study included nine Missouri Preschool Program (MPP) teachers affiliated with public schools in southwest Missouri and nine administrators affiliated with public schools in southwest Missouri with a minimum of one MPP classroom. Results from this study indicated most early childhood educators are in favor of technology in the classroom in moderation. Both teachers and administrators reported a lack of professional development opportunities specific to implementation of technology in early childhood.
Recommended Citation
Wilbur, Lara Jean, "Perceptions of Missouri Public School Early Childhood Teachers and Administrators in Regard to Technology and Current Practices" (2017). Dissertations. 218.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/dissertations/218
Rights
Copyright 2017