Recommendations for Technology Spending

Mr. Christopher Johnson

Introduction to Instructional Technology Technology and Improved Student test

scores Technology as Preparation for the

Future/Great Equalizer Technology and Teacher Efficacy Summary of Arguments Works Cited

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Includes hardware (computers, clickers, eno boards) and software (programs/applications)

Goal is to allow teachers to create a more interactive teaching style in which students are able to take ownership of learning responsibilities.

Prepares students for tools that are used in the business world, outside the walls of the classroom.

State Educational Technology Directors Association. 2011.

Education Technology

Numerous studies have shown that when technology is used in the classroom:◦ Test scores goes up

Students score on average almost 94 points better on the SAT test than non-technology using peers! (Cradler, et al)

Standardized test scores are up to 20% higher than non-technology exposed peers. (Cradler, et al)

◦ Students are more engaged, and are able to help in the constructing of their own knowledge, therefore learning better.

Technology and Test Scores

Students are able to better store the information in their long-term memory storage

Students are better able to connect what they learn in school with the outside world.

Students who participate in technology intensive classrooms are more likely to develop higher level thinking skills. (Schacter, et al)

Students who used English and Math software during the school year advanced at a rate of almost a school quarter faster than their non-technology using peers. (Schacter, et al)

Additional advantages of Technology

Teachers are more likely to use collaborative learning methods- which lead to better comprehension of material

Learning is more interactive and experiential; making students responsible for what they learn.

Multiple senses and areas of the brain are stimulated through the mixture of auditory, print and visual information.

Why does technology improve scores and learning?

NCLB requires that all teachers be highly qualified.◦ Technology allows for students to

learn via online learning from HQ teachers.

Technology usage in school allows students to learn skills that will make them successful in college and the workplace.◦ Erases disadvantages related

socio-economic status and lack of technology at home.

Technology as the Great Equilizer

The number one deciding factor in student learning regardless of technology usage or not is teacher efficacy◦ Is the teacher able to communicate the material

effectively and make students understand the significance of it.

◦ A teacher who uses technology, but does not use it effectively is hampering the learning of their students. Students would be better off learning with

“traditional” methods from an experienced and skilled teacher

Teacher Efficacy and Technology

Teachers need to be properly trained in progressive teaching methods using the technology.◦ Otherwise they still teach ineffectively; they have just

added technology to the picture Training is best done in a format that the

teacher experiences continued support over an extended period. ◦ Introduce the technology and applications◦ Give teacher time to explore in a supportive

environment. Avoid training in a one-time, short, intensive

format.

How are teachers to become “effective”?

Teachers should move beyond focusing on how to implement technology into current lessons.◦ Rather the focus should be to created interactive,

engaging lessons that meet standards using technology.

◦ This takes time and practice, but with good mentoring and a willingness to learn, teachers can do it!

(Harvey-Woodall, 2009) Scott Scheuerell lesson plan

Effective Teaching cont.

21st Century learning is engaging, stimulating and allows students to learn while gaining exposure to technology; a necessity for success.

It prepares students for the future, and allows them to see a world beyond the walls of their classroom.

It requires dedicated teachers who are committed to gaining experience in teaching using technology.

Summary

Brabec, Kathy, Kimberly Fisher, and Howard Pitler. “Building Better Instruction: How Technology Supports Nine Research-Proven Instructional Strategies.” Learning & Leading with Technology 31(5), 6-11. 2004. Print.

Cradler, John, Mary McNabb, Molly Freeman and Richard Burchett. “How Does Technology Influence Student Learning?” Learning & Leading with Technology. May 2002. http://caret.iste.org/caretadmin/news_documents/StudentLearning.pdf Accessed 9 September 2011. Online.

Harvey‐Woodall, Antionette. Integrating Technology into the Classroom: How Does It Impact Student Achievement? ERIC online 16 July 2009. http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED505984.pdf Accessed 9 September 2011. Online.

O'Kane, Eileen Vollert. “College Readiness of Urban High School Students in the United States: The Role of Technology in Preparing All Students for College.” ERIC Online. December 2010. http://eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED512730.pdf. Accessed 9 September 2011. Online.

Schacter, John. “The Impact of Education Technology on Student Achievement.” Milken Exchange on Education Technology. 1999. http://www.mff.org/pubs/ME161.pdf. Accessed 9 September 2011. Online.

Schuerell, Scott. “Open Secrets: Using the Internet to Learn About the Influence of Money in Politics.” BNET: The Interactive CBS Interactive Business Network. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb6541/is_3_72/ai_n29429854/?tag=mantle_skin;content Accessed 9 September 2011. Online.

21st Century Learning Environment Models. State Educational Technology Directors Association. 2011. http://eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED522778.pdf. Accessed 9 September 2011. Online.

Watson, George. “Technology Professional Development: Long-term effects on Teacher Self-efficacy.”Journal of Technology and Teacher Education. 14.1 (Spring 2006): p151.

Works Cited