Computer education and computer use by preschool educators
by Towns, Bernadette, Ph.D., WALDEN UNIVERSITY, 2010, 119 pages; 3403175

Abstract:

Researchers have found that teachers seldom use computers in the preschool classroom. However, little research has examined why preschool teachers elect not to use computers. This case study focused on identifying whether community colleges that prepare teachers for early childhood education include in their curriculum how teachers can effectively integrate the use of computers into preschool classrooms. The conceptual framework was based on the works of Piaget, Bronfenbrenner, and Vygotsky. Data included 15 interviews with Head Start teachers in one location in a western U.S. state, 5 interviews with faculty at one community college, and a review of that community college’s catalog course descriptions in its child development program. Data analysis included the identification of patterns and themes, as well as reviews by peer debriefers. Results indicated that the community college offered no classes that taught preschool education students how to incorporate computers into teaching young children. In addition, community college faculty did not model the integration of technology in a manner that teachers could apply or adapt to their preschool classrooms. Preschool teachers also indicated they would have preferred to have technology instruction integrated into their educational programs. Further, preschool teachers expressed interest in learning how to integrate technology into their classrooms if coursework were offered by local community colleges. This study contributed to positive social change by providing community college administrators with information they can use to plan early childhood education programs that better prepare teachers to maximize students’ learning opportunities.

 
AdviserBernice Folz
SchoolWALDEN UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 71-06, p. , Jun 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEarly childhood education; Teacher education; Educational technology; Curriculum development
Publication Number3403175
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3403175
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.