Katia Ciampa

ICANREAD: The Effects of an Online Reading Program on Grade 1 Students' Engagement and Comprehension Strategy Use.

Abstract This pilot study explores the impact of online electronic storybooks (e-books) on the reading motivation and listening comprehension of six grade 1 students (aged 7 years) from Ontario, Canada. The researcher measured participants’ perceived enjoyment of the online e-book reading experience using standardized listening comprehension tests, motivation questionnaires, behavioural observation checklists, and take-home e-book reading logs. The researchers used a scoring rubric to assess participants’ oral responses to a set of embedded literal, inferential, and evaluative comprehension questions within each e-book read during the program sessions. The results from this study indicate that all of the participants increased their comprehension scores from pretest to posttest after using the online e-book reading program, enjoyed the e-book reading experience, and frequently read the online e-books at home in their free time.This pilot study explores the impact of online electronic storybooks (e-books) on the reading motivation and listening comprehension of six grade 1 students (aged 7 years) from Ontario, Canada. The researcher measured participants’ perceived enjoyment of the online e-book reading experience using standardized listening comprehension tests, motivation questionnaires, behavioural observation checklists, and take-home e-book reading logs. The researchers used a scoring rubric to assess participants’ oral responses to a set of embedded literal, inferential, and evaluative comprehension questions within each e-book read during the program sessions. The results from this study indicate that all of the participants increased their comprehension scores from pretest to posttest after using the online e-book reading program, enjoyed the e-book reading experience, and frequently read the online e-books at home in their free time. (Keywords: E-books, Internet, listening comprehension, comprehension strategy use, beginning reading instruction, early childhood)

Exploring the role of TPACK and teacher self-efficacy: an ethnographic case study of three iPad language arts classes

This ethnographic research study investigated three elementary teachers’ perceived self-efficacy beliefs and their attitudes toward mobile technology-enhanced instruction. Using technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) as a guiding theory, the authors sought to determine whether and how the three knowledge components that form the foundation of the TPACK framework– technological, pedagogical or content knowledge – have similar levels of influence on teachers’ language arts teaching practices. They also examined how each teacher incorporated iPad technologically enhanced pedagogical practices and made connections to their beliefs about the role of technology and education. Data collection consisted of classroom observation field notes, teacher interviews and teacher blogs. Findings reveal that the teachers’ attitudes toward the integration of iPad technology formed a basis for how they approached their pedagogy. Compared to their technological and content knowledge, teachers’ pedagogical knowledge and years of teaching experience strongly influenced their decisions regarding mobile technology integration. By the end of the study, all teachers identified stronger connections and awareness in relation to the components of TPACK. The implications of these findings will provide insight relevant to the development of professional development opportunities for teachers regarding TPACK that could ultimately lead to more successful technology integration by teachers.

Professional learning to support elementary teachers’ use of the iPod Touch in the classroom

This single case study reports on the programme of professional learning that a Canadian staff of elementary teachers (Junior Kindergarten to Grade Eight) and their school principal engaged in to learn to use a mobile multimedia device as an instructional resource. The professional learning was facilitated by two university researchers who used the gradual release of responsibility framework to work with the teachers’ attitudes about using iPod Touches and their need for technological pedagogical content knowledge. Fourteen teachers co-planned and co-taught technology-enhanced lessons during a five-month period. This study proposes a framework that outlines particular characteristics for supporting elementary teachers’ effective integration of mobile multimedia technology into classroom practice. The school principal’s role as a leader of technological change is highlighted along with the facilitators’ roles as coaches as the teachers began to gradually embrace the multimedia technology as an instructional resource.

Teacher collaborative inquiry in the context of literacy education: examining the effects on teacher self-efficacy, instructional and assessment practices

Abstract This case study research reports on elementary (grade 8) and secondary school (grade 9) teachers’ participation in job-embedded, professional learning and engagement in collaborative inquiry. Teachers constructed an inquiry-oriented media literacy unit following the collaborative inquiry model. The current study sought to investigate how collaborative inquiry influenced their self-efficacy in literacy instruction, instructional and assessment practices. Qualitative data sources included researchers’ anecdotal notes, teacher interviews, and professional learning blog conversations. Inductive analyses of the data generated six major themes comprising enhancements to teachers’ literacy instructional and assessment practices, which were evident in their adoption of the backward-design model, use of success criteria, and greater emphasis on diagnostic and formative assessment. With respect to teachers’ self-efficacy, data analyses also revealed increased levels of intrinsic motivation, professional satisfaction, and reflective practice. This study provides evidence for the transformative potential and characteristics of school-based teacher collaborative inquiry and the resultant impacts on teacher learning.

Getting in Touch: Use of Mobile Devices in the Elementary Classroom

In this single-case study, we examined the perceived influence of school-wide Apple iPod Touch integration on student learning and engagement. Data collection consisted of elementary teacher and principal interviews, as well as parent surveys. Findings revealed that there was a marked shift in teachers’ and students’ perceived roles when the iPod Touch was used. Consistent with current pedagogical practices, the findings also suggested that mobile technology facilitated self-directed learning, peer mentoring, differentiated instruction, and formative assessment, and enhanced student engagement. Caveats are offered regarding the integration of these mobile devices into K–8 schools and the use of the iPod Touch as a way to extend the support of learning beyond the classroom.

Building Bridges Between Technology and Content Literacy in Special Education: Lessons Learned From Special Educators’ Use of Integrated Technology and Perceived Benefits for Students

ABSTRACT This single-site case study describes the outcomes and lessons learned from the implementation of a technology professional development initiative aimed at helping three special education teachers from an urban elementary school learn how to infuse technology in their content literacy instruction. Three types of qualitative data were collected: (a) researcher`s anecdotal notes during the professional learning sessions; (b) teachers’ reflection blog entries; and (c) student artifacts (i.e., digital exit tickets, student work samples). The impact of the technology professional development on teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge for content literacy instruction, changes in teachers’ content literacy instructional and assessment practices, and the influence of teachers’ technology professional development on the content literacy learning of students with disabilities are discussed. Recommendations for future professional development programs focused on technology are offered. This study has important implications for urban, high-needs students who need to have equitable access to 21st century digital literacy skills across the content areas in order for them to become college and career ready.

An investigation of teacher candidates’ questions and concerns about occasional teaching

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze teacher candidates’ implied assumptions, attitudes, and concerns about occasional teaching. Data were gathered from 100 teacher candidates over the course of three academic years. Each of the participants posed two questions at the beginning of an online occasional teaching course that they would like to be answered by the end of the course. An awareness of teacher candidates’ questions will be useful in the process of improving pre-service teacher preparation and professional development in occasional teaching. Design/methodology/approach – On the first day of the course, the teacher candidates were asked to reflect upon their first practicum experience and post these reflections to the Sakai discussion forums board. As a follow-up to this introductory activity, the author then invited the teacher candidates to compose and share two (open-ended) questions they would like addressed in this occasional teaching course. These questions were submitted and reta...

Reading in the Digital Age: Using Electronic Books as a Teaching Tool for Beginning Readers / La lecture à l’ère numérique: l’utilisation de livres électroniques comme outil d’enseignement pour les lecteurs débutants

This study stemmed from a concern of the perceived decline in students’ reading motivation after the early years of schooling. This research investigated the effectiveness of online eBooks on eight grade 1 students’ reading motivation. Eight students were given ten 25-minute sessions with the software programs over 15 weeks. Qualitative data were collected from students, teachers, and parents through questionnaires, interviews, observations and field notes. The results suggest the promise of online reading software programs in supporting early readers with reading, motivation, and/or behavioural difficulties. La motivation des lecteurs debutants et les textes qu’ils choisissent de lire ont un impact sur leur succes en litteratie et sur leur volonte de prendre part a des activites de lecture au cours des annees du primaire. Cette etude s’est penchee sur les experiences de lecture de livres electroniques de huit eleves de premiere annee. Huit eleves ont recu 10 seances de 25 minutes avec les logiciels sur une periode de 15 semaines. Des donnees qualitatives ont ete recueillies aupres des eleves, des enseignants et des parents par l’entremise de questionnaires, d’entrevues, d’observations et de notes. Les resultats suggerent que les livres electroniques sont prometteurs pour stimuler la motivation des lecteurs debutants.

Developing TPACK of university faculty through technology leadership roles

This paper reports on a study that explored how faculty who take on technology leadership roles developed TPACK knowledge and built capacity for technology-enhanced teaching. The study was the second phase of a professional development initiative, called the Digital Pedagogies Collaboration, in a Faculty of Education. Four faculty, who had participated in technology workshops, volunteered to conduct workshops on technologies they had integrated into their own instruction. A qualitative case study design was used and data included pre- and post- interviews, videotaped technology workshops, and workshop artifacts. Findings show that taking on a leadership role as a workshop facilitator improved faculty members’ knowledge and skills around teaching with technology (TPACK). Moreover, the TPACK-based Professional Learning Design Model (TPLDM) was useful for designing content- centric workshops and the Faculty as Technology Leaders was a component that extended the TPACK Leadership Theory of Action Model (Thomas, Herring, Redmond, & Smaldino, 2013).