Today, technology plays a crucial role in the daily lives of young children, even in their pre-kindergarten education. In an explanatory sequential mixed methods study, I addressed the following guiding question: "What are urban pre-kindergarten directors' self-reported behaviors associated with the International Society for Technology in…

This dissertation aimed to investigate the impact of technology use in preschool classrooms on student motor skill development. The study involved analyzing the pass/fail Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) scores of students and whether their preschool classroom used technology or not. A chi-square test was performed on two variables for…

This research explored the transformative potential of technology in special education, informed by the researcher's extensive experience in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Highlighting the case of a nonspeaking student with autism who made significant academic progress using an augmented alternate communication (AAC), device, the study…

The purpose of the current study was to better understand how pre-K-12 school leaders respond to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards. The instrumental case study involved school leaders with demonstrated success implementing learning technologies in elementary and middle level settings in a large southern,…

Technology-enhanced teaching and learning (TETL) is the integration of technology into teaching and learning practices to improve the quality of learning outcomes. This is an essential strategy for improving educational quality. School leaders significantly affect the integration of effective TETL in the classroom. The International Society for…

The focus of this dissertation centers around the beliefs that early education teachers hold regarding the role digital technology plays in the learning and development of young children and how those beliefs are implemented in the classroom. Although there is some previous research on this topic not enough is known about digital technology…

Due to the increased use of technology in people's lives, digital media literacy has become increasingly more important in young children's early experiences. When used appropriately, children discover how to use digital media in ways that enhance their learning, preparing them for the positive benefits of technology use across their lifetime. The…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate how changes in learning management systems affect an educator's self-efficacy and to determine if there was a statistically significant relationship between certain demographics of educators and their perceived self-efficacy regarding the implementation of the new learning management…

How can Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in Missouri take lessons from the COVID-19 global pandemic to use technology to provide greater student access to highly qualified educators? Research on this question examined what impacts, influences, and disruptions occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically during the 2020-2021 school year.…

Educators have debated whether computers and various other forms of technology, specifically, digital technology, should be used in preschool classrooms. While much research exists surrounding technology use and academic support, there is little empirical research surrounding how technology use by preschool children impacts their social and…

Assistive technology (AT) is not only beneficial for allowing children with disabilities access to their environment and the curriculum, it is also a required consideration in every IEP according to IDEA. AT is especially important in preschool years as young children are transitioning to public school and gaining valuable new skills. However,…

This study explores the perspectives of teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) regarding screen reader instruction and summarizes their experiences teaching screen readers. Survey data were collected online for one month through professional listservs and social networks, and recipients were asked to forward the invitation to others…

U.S. in-service PK-12 teachers have less time for professional learning (PL) but their needs for applicable professional development (PD) have increased (Birch & Lewis, 2020) and teachers, both new to the field and veterans, are looking to reskill and upskill their knowledge and teaching abilities (Bayar, 2014; Birch & Lewis, 2020; Leung,…

The requirements that students must meet to be considered well-prepared for success in a rapidly changing world are increasing and evolving. Students learning English must not only meet academic standards and acquire 21st century skills including technology proficiency, they must also develop their language abilities. Students' success depends…

The purpose of this study was to examine character racial, ethnic, and gender representation of main and secondary of apps designed for preschoolers using a quantitative content analysis. Because of the design of characters for apps differs from other forms of media, this study examined traits associated with racial, ethnic, and gender groups…