Need Tech? Nontraditional Student Perceptions of Educational Technology Tools

Abstract

Abstract Improved educational technology provides new opportunities and tools for enhanced teaching and learning. However, low efficacy with technology adversely affects nontraditional students’ course and college outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine nontraditional student perceptions of educational technology tools. We thematically coded 10 discussion forums and 239 analyses of 125 student-selected tools. This article highlights traditional student voices and presents a list of tools organized by purpose, the template used by students to analyze tools, and student perceptions of tools. Discussed major themes comprise a wide breadth of tools and purposes, differing experiences in applying theory to practice, and tools supporting learning and interaction in multiple domains.