IPhone for data collection

Distraction in low-technology home

Bibliographic Data

ID12645697
AuthorsLaura Teichert (0000-0002-1204-2238, Western Michigan University, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume21
Issue2
Pages148-165
Publication date2020-09-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Research Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1443-9883 • E-ISSN: 1448-0980
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/qrj-01-2020-0004
OpenAlexW3084316253
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited33

Purpose This paper describes the unintended and unanticipated ways an iPhone as a data collection tool created distractions during observations of five-year-old twins' digital literacy practices while in their home. Design/methodology/approach Situated in sociocultural theories of learning and development and new literacy studies, the 12-month-long case study examined young children's digital literacy practices in their homes before and during their transition into kindergarten. The article focuses on the data collection of five-year-old twins in their home with their parents, a family the author called the Skywalkers. Data sources included semistructured interviews, participant observations and informal conversations. Findings The mother was a low-technology user and preferred her children to engage in nondigital activities. The children were permitted 10 min every other day of “digital time.” The iPhone as a data collection tool provided them with digital access they would otherwise not have. The mother knew the focus of the study was digital engagement and that the iPhone was used for data collection (i.e. photographs and videos). Although the iPhone was intended to be used in establishing rapport and taking photographs, the children frequently asked to video record their play and therefore the iPhone became a distraction. Originality/value Given the prevalence of smartphones in Western society, the recruitment of a family with such low-technology use was unforeseen. As digital data collection increases in qualitative research, researchers should not assume that a smartphone is always appropriate for gathering photographic data. This is particularly important when investigating digital literacy practices of families in their homes

Data collection · Digital Literacy · Distraction · Focus group · Internet privacy · Literacy · Originality · Pedagogy · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociocultural evolution · Sociology · Child Development and Digital Technology · Computer Science · ICT in Developing Communities · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology

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