Technology Integration and Field Observation in a Teacher Preparation Program
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to have students observe what technology is being used in schools during their field placement and how it is being used and reflect on each aspect of technology use in the school. The Field Observation Technology Assessment was used as a guided reflection to compare differences among teachers in terms of how technology is being used, the level of training they receive and the resources available to them. In addition, students observed K-6 students’ use of technology in school and its influence on level of engagement and achievement. Findings indicated that there is great variability among schools and teachers in terms of how meaningfully technology is integrated. And that variability depends on factors such as level of administrator support, available funding, and teacher training.