Share Paper: They Think What? An Investigation of Preschoolers’ Digital Technology and Media Skills and Teacher Candidates’ Beliefs

  1. Daniel Mourlam, University of South Dakota, United States
  2. Gabrielle Strouse, University of South Dakota, United States
  3. Lisa Newland, University of South Dakota, United States
Thursday, March 21 10:15-10:45 AM Sunset 6

Abstract: Digital technologies and media (DTM) have become commonplace in our lives. As a result, young children are using DTM more often and are likely entering school with enhanced skills. Yet, schools often do not take full advantage of DTM in the classroom for a variety of reasons, such as teacher beliefs regarding the value of DTM and the DTM skills of their students. This study explored the latter by first documenting preschooler iPad skills and then determining teacher candidate beliefs about preschoolers’ iPad skills. Preschooler data was collected using an iPad skills assessment, and teacher candidate data was collected using ...