Dr. Robert Leneway and Dr. Sharon PetersonEducational Technology Program

Western Michigan University

Hudsonville PS Tech Initiative Evaluation

A national survey of 1,000 one to one computing schools to analyze what’s working in technology-transformed schools.

These schools were surveyed for what factors contributed to the success or failure of their program.

The project looked for proof of cost savings due to the implementation of technology in any k-12 environment.

Using a regressive model of statistical analysis, they correlated 11 measures of success (such as dropout rates, discipline rates, and student achievement scores) with more than 100 independent variables across 22 categories to determine which factors had the biggest impact on success.

What Research Tells Us Schools with one-to-one computing programs have

fewer discipline problems, lower dropout rates, and higher rates of college attendance than schools with a higher ratio of students to computers,

From the almost 1,000 school district studied, 69% of the schools in the study reported that their students’ achievement scores on high-stakes tests were on the rise.

However, for schools that employed regular formativeassessment and teacher learning communities 85% are reporting rising students’ achievement scores.

Which Factors Proved to be the Most Important? Leadership and Vision “when principals receive specializing

training and technology [is] properly implemented, the benefits increase even more.” A strong principal and strong district leadership are among the most important variables when it comes to implementing education technology and transforming schools.

Daily technology use in core subject area classes, and frequent tech usage use in intervention courses plays a critical role in reduced student dropouts.

Biggest change found in with special education and Title I students when individualize instruction is provided.

Assumptions One to one computing will improve student

achievement.

Technology initiative will only be as effective as the teachers who apply them.

Changing teaching practices to incorporate 21st century skills with technology is an evolution, and it takes time for teacher practices to evolve.

Systemic research and evaluation are powerful tools for improving policy and practice.

Logic Model of EvaluationInputs

Activities

Short term Outcomes Medium Outcomes

Participation

Long Term Outcomes

Long Term Outcomes

Improved Overall School Ranking

Increase Number of Students Attending College

Increased Community Support

Short Term Outcomes Improved Student Achievement Improved Student Engagement Increased Student Attendance Reduced Student Discipline Problems Increased Teacher Attendance Other

Medium Term Outcomes Improved MEAP scores Reduced Costs Increase Community Interest and Support

Increase Student Retention

Other

Inputs Mac PCs, IPad and IPod touch

mobile devices A wireless network and tech

support Teacher competent and

confidence Student competent and

confidence Administrative competent and confidence Time Other?

Outputs - Activities Ipad/Ipod touch teacher

training Ipad/Ipod touch integration

into the lesson plans Administrative Training and

Support Problem Based Learning

Training Other needed activity?

Outputs - Participation Numbers of Ipad and Ipod touch activities

integrated lessons Number of student created multimedia projects Provide an exercise to reinforce learning Amount of participation in teacher learning

communities Other needed forms of participation

Indicators of Success  From prior research, it is predicted that indicators of success in this program will appear in classrooms that are “differentiated in genuine ways for all students,

Indicators of success will appear with student and teachers who gather and mine just-in-time data.

Further, teachers, students, and parents will use [technology] every day to collaborate about what to do next in their collective pursuit of learning.

 

Indicators of Success Classrooms that have

successfully integrated Ipad/Ipod related lessons into their classrooms,

Classrooms will have higher levels of both student and teacher engagement , attendance and confidence in using technology to learn 21st century skills.

More Information: Project Red: from eSchool News Vol. 13, No. 18, Aug 2010;

http://projectred.org/uploads/eSchoolNews_ProjectRed.pdf

Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guild to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss

http://www.wmich.edu/coe/elrt/edtech

http://eddigitaltribe.blogspot.com/

http://www.wmich.edu/pt3

Bob.leneway@wmich.edu