"I Am Technology Inept": Preservice Teachers' Conceptualizations of Using iPads in Teaching Environments

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: The Early Childhood Workforce and Professional Development

Abstract

Bernstein’s notions of vertical and horizontal knowledge were used in this qualitative study to examine a sample of first semester preservice teachers’ conceptualizations of using iPads in their current and future teaching environments. The findings illuminated the significant challenge teacher educators face when supporting preservice teachers in moving beyond deep-seeded horizontal knowledges of what school and teaching should look like, as well as the potential for technology integration when abstract vertical knowledge is explored. These findings also suggest that teacher educators have a responsibility to strengthen preservice teachers’ vertical knowledge around teaching in general so that it can be viewed as a pedagogical practice and not merely a set of skills to be acquired and replicated with technology or otherwise.

Authors

• Joanna Englehardt, The University of Texas - Austin

• Christopher P. Brown, The University of Texas - Austin