Computers and Education Open (Dec 2022)
iPads in First Grade Classrooms: Teachers’ Intentions and the Realities of Use
Abstract
Technology use in elementary school classrooms is growing in frequency as school districts adopt higher rates of technology ownership per student. With increased access, it is critical to examine both teachers’ intentions and the actual use of technology in their classroom environment. This qualitative study uses interviews to examine teachers’ intentions toward iPad use in 1st grade classrooms (students aged 6 to 7 years old) in the United States paired with classroom observations to document how the iPads are used within teachers’ teaching practices with students. Data from this study documents teachers’ clear and consistent intentions for iPad use in their classroom to support their pedagogical goals of differentiation and providing more small group instruction. However, classroom observations document both opportunities and challenges of use including increased time and effort spent managing the devices and student behavior. The results provide detailed descriptive data of the realities of iPad use in 1st grade classrooms and document that technology use in classrooms is a complex and multifaceted experience for both students and teachers.
