As part of my Professional Master in Education with Hibernia College, I completed a research project. The title of my project was: ‘Unpacking Teachers’ Attitudes and Behaviours Towards iPad Use in Post-Primary Education’. This project received a first class honours.
This research project explored the attitudes of post-primary teachers towards using Apple’s iPad. Data was collected in an Irish post-primary school in an urban area. Drawing on a mixed-method methodological approach, the research employed the use of on-line questionnaires (n=42) and semi-structured interviews (n=2) using a probability sample of teaching staff as participants. Findings highlighted that teachers’ perceptions of iPads are positive, however despite this, adoption rates are low. This study has identified four potential barriers to iPad adoption - psychological, technological, logistical, and value. Project recommendations focus on strategies to increase teacher confidence, technical support, accessibility and knowledge.
In 2009 I conducted a two-year research project investigating energy efficient technology and conservation behaviours with the National University of Ireland, Galway. I was awarded a €6,000 travel bursary to allow for travel to conferences and the presentation of research findings.
2011 “Unpacking Householders’ Understandings of Energy Efficiency” paper presented at the Association of American Geographers Annual Conference in Washington State, USA, April 15th.
2011 “Incentives and Regulations aimed at Changing Irish Householders’ Energy Behaviour” research presented at the Geography Department Seminar Series, NUIG, February 17th.
2010 “The Future of Renewable Energy in Ireland” Exploring the relations between domestic energy efficient improvements and the public. Paper presented at the Irish Postgraduate Training Consortium in Wicklow, Ireland, February 6th.