Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dorothy Williams

Second Advisor

Pamela Thomas

Abstract

The problem studied was the utilization of instructional technology in elementary classrooms, from third-grade through fifth-grade, and how teachers experience the use of technology in teaching methods and student learning. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to understand the experiences of third-grade through fifth-grade teachers regarding the implementation of instructional technology in their classrooms. The study's timing captured teachers' views on technology before, during, and after the 2020-2021 academic year, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning. Qualitative narrative inquiry allowed for a rich exploration of the teachers' experiences, with results of the study informing future decisions and research related to instructional technology implementation in upper elementary settings. Purposeful sampling identified five participants meeting specific criteria. Virtual interviews provided detailed accounts of their encounters with instructional technology. The analysis involved restorying interview data, coding, and member-checking each narrative for accuracy. Four distinct themes emerged from this process: the evolutionary journey of technology integration, collaboration as a mode of professional learning, adaptability to change, and the personalization of learning experiences. The findings of this study underscore the necessity to empower teachers with ample time, resources, and collaborative platforms, enabling effective implementation of instructional technology that significantly enhances their teaching practice and fosters meaningful student learning outcomes.

Comment

Ed.D. Dissertation

Included in

Education Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.