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Making sense out of technology in the classroom: Exploring computer based learning through podcasting
Abstract
For centuries teachers have been forced to stay abreast with relentlessly evolving technology. When the stylus and tablet evolved to pens and papyrus, teachers were at the forefront of that shift. As the technologies of the 21st century usher in unprecedented advancements in student achievement and educational practice, teachers once again find themselves at the vanguard of a revolution. The purpose of this comparative qualitative case study was to gain insight into how teachers make sense out of technology in the classroom. There are many emerging technologies that stand poised to have significant and enduring impacts on not only what students learn but on the ways that they acquire information. This study focused on one such advancement, podcasting. This study was conducted to help fill a void in current research primarily by centering the voice of the classroom teachers in the discussion of how they make sense out of podcasting technologies. Within this qualitative case study, data were received through two middle school social studies teachers located in the Midwest. Each teacher provided one interview and triangulation occurred through five student interviews, 52 hours worth of observations and online/offline documentation. Based on the inductive analysis of the data, numerous themes emerged from the heuristic primary research questions. These findings included the use of podcasting in an adjunct role within both teachers' classroom curriculum, studycasts were used to help students review for tests, podcasts were used to help students remember academic content and the teachers conducted ongoing self-assessments to continuously improve their podcasting activities. Overall, both teachers were satisfied with the podcasting technology, with how it complements their classroom curriculum, and most importantly with how in this era of unprecedented educational regulation podcasting impacts student growth and achievement.
Subject Area
Teacher education|Educational technology
Recommended Citation
Cain, Jabari P, "Making sense out of technology in the classroom: Exploring computer based learning through podcasting" (2008). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3336882.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3336882