Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Dr. Julie Byrd Clark

Abstract

In light of contemporary trends and practices, namely the impact of globalization and the integration of new technologies being promoted in the field of applied linguistics (Byrd Clark, 2012; Kern, 2006; Malinowski & Kramsch, 2014), this study explores the perceptions of professors, who teach graduate courses in Education on the impact and adaptation of new technologies on their pedagogy; namely the use of blogging as an educational activity. This study analyzes the traditional or innovative pedagogical practice of today’s graduate professors. This qualitative case study is based on a multiliteracies theoretical framework and incorporate the following methods: a survey and semi-structured interviews. This study seeks to make an important contribution to both the field of research and to practice with its emphasis on the integration of new technologies in graduate language and literacy education. Many graduate programs highlight the importance of originality, creativity and thoroughness (in other words, alternatives to traditional approaches) however there appear to be few multiliteracy options available in courses. Through the implementation of a survey (N=5) and semi-structured interviews (N=2), perceptions of graduate professors of blogging as an educational activity were investigated. Participants revealed the innovative pedagogical practice of today’s graduate professors. However, there are still various issues in practicality that need to be addressed.

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