Teaching with Technology

Research Questions.

What is the most effective approach to development of teacher knowledge and successful integration of digital technology?
What are the student learning outcomes related to integration of mobile technology?
How do we assess the 21st century learning skills that may be supported by mobile technology?

Project Description.

My research program has developed from an exploration of the barriers and supports that elementary and secondary teachers face in the integration of computer technology, through an examination of mobile technology interventions in elementary (specifically, iPod devices) and post-secondary programs (specifically, BlackBerry devices), to the creation of teacher development programs using a variety of digital and mobile technologies (including Desire2Learn, Google docs, smartphones, iPads, Social Media, etc.).
Much of our initial research in the area of technology integration was supported by a successful three year Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant of more than $75 000 and various internal grants. Findings from these research projects have been published in academic journals, in edited book chapters, presented at international and national conferences, and shared with university faculty and school board staff. I continue to prepare academic and practitioner-based articles for dissemination of findings that support.

Key Findings and Recommendations

To successfully integrate digital cognitive tools, teachers need to develop Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK, Mishra & Koehler, 2006) and then take risks, get messy and try things out with support in terms of resources, both human and technical.
Teachers need to understand the pedagogy that works best for the content they are teaching and how technology can support the most effective instructional and assessment strategies. The most effective integration of technology will happen through appropriate modelling of instruction using technology, learning with technology, and, working collaboratively with peers and teachers.
Once teachers are successfully integrating technology into their teaching and student learning, we can begin to evaluate and measure learning outcomes related to digital technologies and 21st century learning.
Individual characteristics of teachers are a key variable in predicting integration of digital technology, including propensity to take risks, learning preferences, and knowledge.
Most effective professional learning for teachers around the integration of technology includes authentic, just-in-time support from knowledgeable peers and experts.
Access to individual, hand-held mobile technology may support self-regulated learning and constructivist teaching.