Using mobile learning technologies as a catalyst for educational change in early childhood education: a Western Australian schools-university partnership model
Abstract
This paper discusses the design and implementation of a research investigation into how mobile learning technologies can enhance early childhood education in two public sector schools set in Perth, Western Australia. The research is a three year doctoral study that tracks educational change as experienced by university academics, undergraduate pre-service teachers, practicing teachers, school leaders and parents. A case study method is adopted to generate insights into educational change at different levels in two schools and a university. This paper explores the change at macro- and micro-levels including decision-making processes that underpin the selection of hardware and software; commitment of participating organisations; involvement of parents in developing their technological knowledge; and the sharing of pedagogical and technological knowledge between undergraduate pre-service teachers and practicing teachers.