Poster #45 - Assessing Educational Technology Use on School Placement: Unearthing the Hidden Messages for Preservice Teachers

• In Event: 77.059 - MTCC Tuesday Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 77.059-8 - Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Teacher accreditation requirements mandate the study and use of technology as part of pre-service education. However, how the use of technology is assessed during the practicum experience and what advice pre-service teachers receive as part of this process is under-researched. This study examined teacher educators’ evaluations of pre-service teachers’ technology use on school placement. The research, which was undertaken in a university-based teacher education programme in Ireland, analysed a sample of 429 school placement reports. The study found that technology was not mentioned frequently and when referenced praised and encouraged teacher-centred use. The research highlights the pivotal role of the school placement experience and the hidden messages pre-service teachers receive in relation to technology from this assessment.

Authors

• Oliver McGarr, University of Limerick

• Ciarán Ó Gallchóir, University of Limerick