Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to examine the inappropriate behaviors displayed by prospective teachers through digital devices in terms of certain variables, and to reveal the causes of these inappropriate behaviors. Employing quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study was carried out during the 2011-2012 academic year with participation of 185 prospective teachers from a faculty of education in Turkey. Quantitative data were analyzed by use of multiple linear regression analysis and independent samples t-test. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Validity and reliability were investigated via peer-review, member checks, and inter-coder reliability processes. The findings of the study show that there is a (low-level) significant positive relationship between the inappropriate behaviors displayed by prospective teachers through digital devices and gender, social media usage status, and duration of the internet usage and mobile phone usage. It was concluded that male students displayed more inappropriate behaviors through digital devices in comparison to female students, and prospective teachers using social media displayed more inappropriate behaviors through digital devices in comparison to those not using the social media. The causes of undesired/inappropriate behaviors were found to be compulsion, absent-mindedness and indifference.

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