Candidate perspectives about technology infusion in their teacher education preparation program
Abstract: This study utilized Q methodology to examine teacher education candidates' perspectives about technology infusion within their educator preparation programs (EPP’s). We sought candidates' perspectives to better understand how technology infusion efforts were impacting their learning about technology use and integration. Eighty candidates from two different EPP’s completed a forced sort of 44 statements where they made value choices along a spectrum of “most unlike me” to “most like me.” Analysis with Q-Perspectives® Online software revealed Central State University candidates coalesced into two clusters of groups. Analysis of Southwest Mountain University revealed three groups of perspectives. A whole group snapshot provided by Q Perspectives Online software showed areas of promise and concern shared by candidates at both EPP’s. The use of Q methodology provided an avenue for faculty and leadership to conduct program evaluations about how candidates are being prepared to use technology.