Date of Conferral

2014

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

David Falvo

Abstract

Millions have been spent in the Southern Gulf Coast states on equipping classrooms with Smart Board/interactive whiteboard (IWB) technology without an implementation plan for effective usage in lesson design and without teachers knowing how to best use these boards. The purpose of this project study was to explore the challenges and barriers that teachers face while using their IWB. Framed by the theories of adoption of technology within the K-12 classroom and self-efficacy of teachers regarding technology, the guiding research questions identified the challenges related to integrating IWB technology into lessons, as well the needs of teachers who are trying to implement this technology. This mixed-methods case study design included a convenient sample of 8 teachers and the data sets were collected by interviews and surveys. Interview analysis included coding and member checking and 3 themes emerged during analysis: (a) technical difficulties, (b) lack of sufficient professional development, and (c) finding resources for the Smart Board. The survey analysis entailed descriptive statistics and those survey results combined with the interview analysis found that teachers have problems incorporating Smart Board technology and require professional development in regards to integrating IWB technology into effective and efficient teaching and learning. The resulting outcome of this research was a comprehensive plan for an ongoing professional learning community designed to assist the teachers in gaining knowledge and skills needed to integrate IWB technology. This knowledge will improve professional practice at the local setting and provide a model for such training at the district level and beyond.

Download

Share

 
COinS