ERIC Number: ED651809
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 206
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3823-0600-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Teachers' Perceptions of Cell Phone Use in the Secondary Classroom: Benefits and Barriers
Jeanne McCrea
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Fielding Graduate University
The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of secondary tenured teachers on cell phone use in the classroom. Data were collected via a survey and semistructured individual interviews to determine the teachers' use of phones in schools, their perceptions of the benefits and barriers of cell phone use in the classroom, policies regarding the mobile phones that would support teachers in the classroom, and whether the COVID-19 pandemic had any effect on those perceptions. Much of the literature suggests that teachers have negative perceptions or are ambivalent regarding use of smartphones in the classroom. Barriers to cell phone use in schools, as noted by researchers, include cheating, mental health concerns, distractions, addiction, lowered grades, and cyberbullying. Still, some researchers have suggested effective uses of phones, including connections with others, student engagement, special education applications, organizational communication tools, and games. This ambiguity in the literature suggested a need for further study. The data in this study revealed several key themes for both barriers and benefits. All teachers reported owning a cell phone and using it for various tasks. The survey data revealed teachers' concerns about bullying, cheating, and class distractions. The interviews revealed concerns about distraction, a lack of deeper thinking, and inappropriate content. Qualitative benefits were rapid access to information, new ways to connect, and unique uses for phones. Quantitative benefits included taking pictures, use of educational applications, and access to the Internet. This study underscores the influence of cell phone use on teachers and students. The study illustrates the importance of creating effective policy for all stakeholders, an overarching policy that is used with fidelity, further research in this area, and recommendations for practice for teachers and school leaders with regard to cell phone policy in schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Secondary School Students, Barriers, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Policy, COVID-19, Pandemics
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A