The impact of personal devices in the classroom
Subject
Abstract
Technology has been rapidly changing throughout the 21st Century. While teachers have adapted to 21st century learning, the onslaught of constantly emerging technology has created a divide in how certain technologies should or should not be implemented in the classroom. Nowhere is this more prevalent than the issue of personal devices; devices such as smartphones that are more powerful and accessible than what is found in school computer labs across the country. This study examines the question: “Do teachers feel that smartphones and personal devices belong in the classroom?” This study also explores teachers’ experiences with implementing technology through personal devices, the advantages and disadvantages of personal devices, and how teachers view the implementation of personal devices in the classroom with the overarching purpose of illustrating teachers’ preconceived notions and opinions about personal devices, as well as the impact of these devices. The research examines how Campbell River teachers choose to incorporate personal devices into day-to-day teaching and how many choose to not incorporate them at all due to a variety of complex reasons.