Share Paper: Factors Influencing Pre-Service Teachers' Use of Technology on School Placement - Mind the Gap

  1. Alison Egan, Marino Institute of Education, Ireland
  2. Ann FitzGibbon, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland
  3. Keith Johnston, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland
  4. Elizabeth Oldham, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland
Tuesday, March 27 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Edison Ballroom D

Abstract: This study explores the factors that influenced two groups of pre-service teachers' use of technology during their school placement experience, as part of their College of Education course. The study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed method design, and the results of 14 semi-structured interviews are reported. Personal technological confidence using technology at the time of entering college was not an indicator of use of technology during school placement. The results pointed to a complex and multifaceted interplay of external and internal factors that affected use of technology. These factors included the influence of the school, the mentor teacher, the placement ...