Technology in the Classroom Episode 1

noreply@blogger.com (M.Wattree) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Technology In K-12 Education

noreply@blogger.com (M.Wattree) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:33:00 +0000

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

View more presentations from guest020952.

Incorporating technology in K-12 education has become a big debate over the past several years. Some argue that incorporating technology diminishes the role of the teacher as the leader in the classroom, takes up too much time, and has not improved education enough to matter. Others argue that technology in the classroom has greatly helped differentiate instruction and has allowed the teacher more time to get to know students on an individual basis.

Since the increasing popularity of computers has arisen, so has the talk of whether technology and education should be a combined force. Skeptics rely on research such as the 1998 TIMSS report, which reported that the United States only ranked 18th in mathematics and science out of 21 other countries (TIMMS, 1998, Table 1). These results were measured after schools had added computers in schools, there was one computer for every six children in American K-12 schools (Smerdon et al.,2000,p.5). Test scores from 1999 showed no significant change between 1994 and 1999 in reading, mathematics, or science for 9, 13, and 17 year olds (Campbell, Hombo, &Mazzeo, 200, Figure 1). While this is just one particular report, it is enough to convince some that technology has no real positive impact on education.

Despite the negative views and controversy surrounding technology in K-12 education, there is much research available that supports its positive influence on education. "Intelligent tutor" software that supports curriculum has been shown to improve learning. In Pittsburgh, an algebra curriculum focusing on mathematical analysis of real-world situations and the use of computational tools is supported by an intelligent tutor software program as part of the regular curriculum for 9th grade algebra. On average, the 470 students in the experimental classes outperformed students in comparison classes by 15% on standardized tests and 100% on tests targeting the curriculum-focused objectives (Koedinger et al., 1999).Using technology in the classroom to support teacher directed instruction is one way in which students are able to benefit from having the resource in the classroom. Allowing students to use computers helps the teacher to manage day-to-day activities such as tracking progress and in turn determine ways in which to assist the student in areas where he/she may be lacking. Technology helps change the student/teacher roles and relationships. It promotes project-based learning styles. It engages students in their learning processes. Students acquire and use higher-order thinking, analysis, and problem solving. They take responsibility for their learning outcomes. Teachers become guides and facilitators (Shaffner, 2002).

There is vast amounts of research that support the positive influence of using technology in the K-12 classroom, however, for every piece of evidence that supports it, there is an equal amount of information that denies its effectiveness. In order for classrooms to see the benefits of using technology in the classroom, proper training of teachers and students alike must occur.

Great link for Texas teachers on integrating technology in the classroom

Works Cited
Bennett, F. (1999). Computers as tutors: Solving the crisis in education. Sarasota, FL: Faben.
Campbell, R., Hombo, C., & Mazzeo, J. (2000). NAEP 1999 trends in academic progress: Three decades of student performance (NCES Publication No. 2000-469). Washington: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved March 23, 2001, from http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/main1999/2000469.pdf

Smerdon, B., Cronen, S., Lanahan, L., Anderson, J., Iannotti, N., & Angeles, J. (2000). Teachers' tools for the 21st century: A report on teachers' use of technology (NCES Publication No. 2000-102). Washington: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved March 23, 2001, from http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2000/2000102A.pdf

Third International Mathematics and Science Study International Study Center. (1998). Third international mathematics and science study. Retrieved March 23, 2001, from http://timss.bc.edu/TIMSS1/timsspdf/c_hilite.pdf

Moravec, J. (2009, April Tuesday). Education Futures. Retrieved Januray 25, 2010, from Education Futures: http://www.educationfutures.com
Shaffner, M. (2002). Retrieved January 24, 2010, from Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/teaching-module-technology-integration-why
Koedinger, K., Anderson, J. R., Hadley, W. H., & Mark, M. A. (1997). Intelligent tutoring goes to school in the big city. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 8, 30-43. Retrieved March 23, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://act.psy.cmu.edu/act/awpt/AlgebraPacket/kenPaper/paper.html

Using Technology to Facilitate K-12 Education

Technology in the Classroom Episode 1

Technology In K-12 Education