The Challenges of Integrating Mobile Technology in the Classroom Examining an iPad Professional Development Project

Volume 12 Issue 3 December - February 2017

Research Paper

The Challenges of Integrating Mobile Technology in the Classroom Examining an iPad Professional Development Project

Michael Barbour* , Tamme Quinn Grzebyk**, Michael M. Grant***, Jason Siko****

* Associate Professor, Instructional Design, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University, California, USA.

** Senior Lecturer, Department of Management, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University, USA.

*** Assistant Professor, Educational Technology Program, University of South Carolina, USA.

**** Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Technology, Grand Valley State University, USA.

Barbour, M.K., Grzebyk T.Q., Grant, M.M., and Siko, J., (2017). The Challenges of Integrating Mobile Technology in the Classroom Examining an Ipad Professional Development Project. i-manager’s Journal on School Educational Technology, 12(3), 22-33. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.12.3.10386

Abstract

The iPad is a tool that could change the way in which teachers prepare and deliver instruction in the K-12 environment. But, while proponents tout its capabilities, school administrators run the risk of purchasing yet another tool without understanding its potential impacts on the teacher, students, and classroom environment. This study used iPads to implement a four-month professional development program aimed at helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. The iPads were deployed to classroom teachers in the science department at a suburban high school. Professional development was tailored to the teachers' interests, and was followed by individual interviews by the project leader. Results of the study showed that while teachers are open to new technologies, their focus is more on teaching considerations than on professional development. The study also indicated that teachers have difficulty considering incorporating a single device into a classroom of multiple students. It is recommended that this study be replicated, without the technical problems, on a larger scale and in subject areas beyond the sciences.