The purpose of this study was to explore teachers' reactions to and perceptions of an online professional learning (PL) experience within a microcredentialing program. Using a qualitative multiple case study design with cross case analysis, this study explored the experiences of five kindergarten through fourth grade (K-4) literacy teachers in a…

This mixed-methods study explored the beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, concerns, barriers, and teaching practices of rural K-12 teachers who use technology. The purpose of this study was to make recommendations for helping rural school districts increase the number of teachers who use classroom technology effectively. This study was guided by a…

The "digital natives" that are sitting in today's classrooms live their lives surrounded by technology. "The current crop of learners differs in significant ways from previous generations because, unlike their predecessors, they have literally grown up 'digital'" (Simpson & Clem, 2008, p. 2). Teachers and administrators…

The increasing importance of technology in today's world challenges teacher educators to create technology-proficient teachers, practitioners who can utilize existing technology, learn to work with emerging technology and adapt as needed when confronted with technological issues. Acknowledging the need for technologically proficient teachers,…

This paper addresses the practice of professional development within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) arena. The study object was to gain the perceptions held by a selected group of VET educators in the tourism and hospitality sector of the professional teaching/training competencies required for effective practice. The study was…

This research examines factors that influenced teachers' decisions to participate in professional development activities and, subsequently, to implement ideas gained through their participation. Twenty-four teachers who were employed by an urban school district shared their perceptions regarding the content, context, and process of a districtwide…

The overarching aim of this study is to investigate how newly qualified Rwandan teachers can contribute to the creation of theoretical and practical knowledge for professional development with information and communication technology (ICT). Questionnaires, focus groups and interviews were used for data collection. The findings show that novice…

In the study of the Technology Immersion model, high-need middle schools were "immersed" in technology by providing laptops for each teacher and student, instructional and learning resources, professional development, and technical and pedagogical support. This article reports third-year findings for the teacher component of the…

A mail survey of a random sample of 253 West Virginia teachers elicited information related to subjects' backgrounds, telecommunications skills, access to computer resources, preferences among common telecommunications applications, and preferences among options for learning about telecommunications. Four scales measured computer literacy,…

With the advent of new technologies, more convenient and effective ways of learning are being adopted. However, despite the growing advancements there remains a lack of literature in applications of using these technology teaching approaches. This book offers in-depth analysis of new technologies in blended learning that promote creativity,…

A major British research project found significant gains in elementary students' literacy and numeracy achievement in 14 of 16 classrooms where teachers worked on developing their own computer skills and instructional uses of computers. Factors contributing to successful professional development are identified, as well as necessary sources of…

Educators today are under tremendous pressure to make use of the latest in technology while continuing to provide quality educational experiences for students. Quality staff development is essential and costly, especially in rural areas. This study looked at the use of mentoring as a positive strategy for building teacher confidence in technology…

Preservice programs often lack resources, time, and faculty expertise to instruct teachers in new technology. At Central Washington University in Ellensburg, faculty volunteers overcame these deficits by using the Internet to present technology in small doses. After just one year, Internet activities were incorporated into almost every preservice…

Describes efforts in the United Kingdom to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into schools and the government's aim to have teachers acquire network literacy. Discusses innovation and change in education; results of a study that investigated teachers' attitudes about the impact of ICT; and the need for teacher's professional…

As a first step in developing a comprehensive professional development program and operational activities at Gateway Technical Institute (GTI) in Wisconsin, a faculty and staff computer training survey was conducted. A questionnaire was distributed to 411 faculty and staff members to establish a general interest level; gauge the current level of…