In Our Hands: Designing for Mobile Devices

Caissie, Belina

In Our Hands: Designing for Mobile Devices

dc.contributor.advisor	Friesen, Sharon L
dc.contributor.author	Caissie, Belina
dc.contributor.committeemember	Jacobsen, Michele DM
dc.contributor.committeemember	Lock, Jennifer Vivian
dc.contributor.committeemember	Dyjur, Patti
dc.contributor.committeemember	Stordy, Mary Margaret
dc.date	2018-06-05
dc.date.accessioned	2018-01-26T23:16:28Z
dc.date.available	2018-01-26T23:16:28Z
dc.date.issued	2018-01-17
dc.description.abstract	Two significant impacts on K–12 learning environments are the increasing diversity of learners and one-to-one learning environments. Over the last two decades, several large-scale, provincially-funded projects have supported one-to-one technology in education and equity in Alberta’s education system. For example, the iPad was appropriated by education at an unprecedented rate. This participatory action research study engaged fifth-grade students and their teacher in an exploration of their science learning and teaching with iPads as the one-to-one mobile device used. Two main types of action research cycles occurred: 1) technology and 2) teaching and learning. Multiple action research cycles were carried out concurrently to investigate: In what ways does the design of technology-enabled, inclusive learning environments impact teacher and student learning and agency in middle school? Data collection methods included focus groups, individual interviews, observations, researcher journaling, a survey, documents, and artifacts. Three process findings emerged through the student focus groups: challenges, customization, and choice. Seven impact findings were evident from the classroom observations and individual interviews: increased collaboration, improved student engagement, student empowerment, teacher empowerment, technology-enhanced learning environment, shifts in teachers’ perceptions of learners, and shifts in students’ perceptions. This study revealed that a technology-rich classroom does not automatically create a technology-enhanced learning environment. Systemic barriers mute the potential of one-to-one access. When the design of technology integration at both the school and school authority level creates significant barriers to effective student and teacher use of mobile devices as pedagogical tools, the ability of both teachers and students to act in new and innovative ways is thwarted. The inability to act in new and innovative ways makes it difficult for teachers and students to develop and exert their agency. The findings of this study imply that the potential of iPads is not being fully realized in the context of learning and teaching as well as provides insight on how iPads can be leveraged as pedagogical devices. Ten recommendations for educational stakeholders, including the Department of Education, educational leaders, teachers, and Faculties of Education, are presented to support a shift from technology-rich classrooms to technology-enhanced learning environments.	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Caissie, B. M. (2018). In our hands: Designing for mobile devices (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/5434	en_US
dc.identifier.doi	http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/5434
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106353
dc.language.iso	eng
dc.publisher.faculty	Graduate Studies
dc.publisher.faculty	Werklund School of Education
dc.publisher.institution	University of Calgary	en
dc.publisher.place	Calgary	en
dc.rights	University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject	Mobile Devices
dc.subject	iPads
dc.subject	Participatory Action Research
dc.subject.classification	Education--Sciences	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Education--Technology	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Education	en_US
dc.title	In Our Hands: Designing for Mobile Devices
dc.type	doctoral thesis
thesis.degree.discipline	Educational Research
thesis.degree.grantor	University of Calgary
thesis.degree.name	Doctor of Education (EdD)
ucalgary.item.requestcopy	true
ucalgary.thesis.checklist	I confirm that I have submitted all of the required forms to Faculty of Graduate Studies.	en_US