Applying Technology Successfully in the Classroom

Created By: James Schoppe

The Issues/Problems

• Teachers have a lack of computer skills or technical knowledge.

• Campus or district professional developments emphasizes only on how to use technology.

• Professional developments often fail to train teachers how to create lessons that incorporates technology.

Research

• “Technology use allows many more students to be actively thinking about information, making choices, and executing skills than is typical in teacher-led lessons. Moreover, when technology is used as a tool to support students in performing authentic tasks, the students are in the position of defining their goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress.”

(Singh, 2000)

Examples of Successful use of Technology

Why use Technology?• The “use of technology is more

effective as a learning tool when embedded in a broader education reform movement that includes improvements in teacher training, curriculum, student assessment, and a school's capacity for change.”

(Honey, 2005)

Why use Technology?

• Lessons that incorporate computers that enhance student learning must include: – Active engagement – Participation in groups– Frequent interaction – Feedback– Connections to real-world contexts

(Honey, 2005)

Attitude

• Teacher’s attitude towards technology effects the usage, application, and the level of engaged learning significantly.

• When teachers have a positive attitude about using technology, they often excite students’ interest in technology.

• Increased student interest becomes higher creativity and active learning environment.

(Valenzuela, 2004)

Results

• From an El Paso Texas middle school:– Computer-trained teachers had students

score higher in math than students who had teachers with out proper computer training.

– Technology is a tool, without proper training the “tool” becomes only a novelty.

– Proper training allows for the teachers to use computers as a “tool” to greatly aid students in the learning process.

(Valenzuela, 2004)

Results• Research exposes while it is crucial for

teachers to be trained on effective ways to use technology, teachers and schools also must change their attitudes on the changing world that they live in in order to educate students at their utmost potential.

References

Honey, M. (2005). Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement. Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement. Retrieved June 7, 2014, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htmSingh, R., & Means, B. (2000). Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. Archived: Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. Retrieved June 7, 2014, from http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.htmlValenzuela, S. (2014, January 1). Technology's Effect on Education . Technology's Effect on Education. Retrieved June 7, 2014, from http://www.dominicanu.com/masters-in-education-resources/technology-effect-on-education/