Expanding the Scope of Teacher Candidates' Learning by Investigating Their Digital Practices

• In Event: 68.062 - Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 68.062-7 - Expanding the Scope of Learning With Innovative Technologies

Abstract

With the ubiquity of digital media in the lives of students and teachers, this paper identifies the personal technology use of teacher candidates (TCs) in a specific university teacher education program to showcase the significant presence of digital media in informal learning experiences. Using a survey of 59 TCs, our preliminary findings suggest they are using technology in their personal lives for informal learning and community building at different levels of engagement; therefore teacher education programs need to be culturally responsive to preservice teachers’ technology practices in formal learning settings. We posit that this inclusion of digital media in teacher education programs will promote positive learning practices for prospective teachers both in their personal lives and in their future classrooms.

Authors

• Jenny Heather Gawronski, University of Washington - Seattle

• Adam Bell, University of Washington - Seattle