RUNNING HEAD: TECHNOLOGY CAN IMPROVE LEARNING1

Technology Can Improve Learning

Joshua A. Worsham

Boise State University

Author Note

Joshua Worsham, Graduate Student, Department of Educational Technology, Boise State University.

TECHNOLOGY CAN IMPROVE LEARNING 2

Abstract

This paper synthesizes information and data from multiple reports, containing many sources that

show carefully integrated technology can improve learning gains. Similar data was found on the

website: http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=topics. There were very few negative findings

of technology integration in all of the readings. Technology should increasingly be employed as

an instructional tool due to the effectiveness shown in well structured learning environments.

Lastly, students enjoy the learning process more when technology is involved.

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“Using technology to teach using traditional methods will only lead to traditional results.”

John Bailey, former Director, Office of Instructional Technology, U.S. Dept. of Education

Although it is obvious to most that technology integration into education is an effective

way to increase learning, those who fund the schools, among others, want proof. I believe that

research shows technology properly integrated into the learning environment improves learning

gains. What is known about technology's effect on teaching and learning? Clearly, technology

alone will not improve education, however there are numerous benefits to employing technology

as an instructional tool (Keengwe, 2008). These benefits are not limited to students alone

(Consortium Research Fellows Program). Teachers can accomplish more in less time with the

help of technology (Keengwe, 2008). Lastly, students enjoy learning more when it involves the

use of technology (Consortium Research Fellows Program).

What We Know About Technology's Effect on Teaching and Learning

One reoccurring theme in research of effectiveness of technology in the classroom is how

"at risk" students can benefit from its use. "After considerable reflection, for this body of

literature we have chosen from many possible labels that of "At Risk Students." We do so

because although it is a general characterization, it correctly identifies--in our view--the most

serious element that binds together students who are "slow learners," reading delayed, low

achieving, learning disabled, seriously emotionally disturbed, disadvantaged by low

socioeconomic status, or struggling to acquire a new language and culture as are ESL students

(Consortium Research Fellows Program)." This group of students is reported to be greatly

impacted by using technology as a tool to learn autonomously as well as interact with their

learning environment (Keengwe, 2008).

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Multiple sources agree that technology alone cannot improve learning (Keengwe, 2008).

In addition, teachers and students who are not trained in specific technology skills will not use

technological resources effectively. The recommended teacher training would include lessons in

small, incremental steps separated by time for educators to practice and apply what they have

learned. Teachers also need continuing, immediate access to consultation, advice, and problem

solving. Lastly, the teachers continue to improve their technological skills as they teach and train

their students to integrate technology into the learning process (Consortium Research Fellows

Program).

My own teaching experience points to students being in favor of using technology at any

availability. I believe that students in today's world enjoy learning more when technology is

involved.

Student motivation is enhanced in projects that require online collaboration. Student

motivation is enhanced through online collaborative research that includes online

communication with peers and experts in other states and countries, evaluation of

evidence and sharing of information, and the use of standards based curricula that are

integrated with scientific visualization tools (International Society for Technology in

Education, 2000).

Technology as routine as word processing has shown improvement in performance and attitudes

of students. One group of students who were studied while involved in a writing on computers

practicum showed improved attitudes toward writing and even homework improved as a result of

the program (Consortium Research Fellows Program)! Finally, "technology improves

motivation, attitude, and interest when students use challenging, game-like programs and

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technology applications designed to develop basic skills and knowledge (International Society

for Technology in Education, 2000).

Benefits of Employing Technology as an Instructional Tool

One of the numerous benefits of employing technological resources as an instructional

tool is the ability to use realistic simulations. Real-world simulation projects provide context for

learning (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000). Additionally, context is

important to learning because it helps students recognize links between concepts. These

simulations or games help students integrate new concepts into their existing knowledge base

(Keengwe, 2008).

Access to information is a major component of learning. With today's technology, access

to information is extremely fast via the internet. Immediate access to the internet, as well as other

technology makes it relatively easy to generate, design and carry out large, complex tasks. The

technology gives students more ways to represent ideas and to communicate them to whomever

they want (Consortium Research Fellows Program). These types of communications tend to

result in improved achievement (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).

Two major components of computer technology applications are those for delivery of

information and those involving educational management systems (Consortium Research

Fellows Program). The beauty of an "Office" type application is that it can do both. The

programs that are included in this type of software are word processing, slide show creator,

spreadsheets, and more: (http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial/default.aspx?

WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=B73783A4-1788-4D66-BD0B-151255278761). Students take more

interest in lessons when technology is available for them to create professional looking

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presentations. Teachers can also benefit from the use of computers and management software.

These tools allow teachers to organize and present information visually much quicker than

before. They are also able to provide students feedback on assignments more quickly

(International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).

"Technology has been found to increase learning opportunities when students in remote

areas have access to online courses that bring quality and depth of instruction not possible with

existing local resources (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000)." Providing

people with access to learning through online classes who may otherwise not be able to

participate in a similar opportunity must be a reason technology should be integrated as an

instructional tool. Many schools and colleges are investing more in computers because they

promise new dimensions to student learning and opportunities for educational reform through

technology (Keengwe, 2008).

Technology alone will not improve education.

One factor that is necessary for technology to improve education is commitment to

infusion from the institution. The beliefs about teaching and learning of the leadership and

faculty of a school will have a great deal to do with the success or failure of the technology in the

learning environment (Keengwe, 2008). For technology to be a success in the classroom the

instruction has to be well designed and the computer use well integrated into course content.

Moreover, teachers must have adequate motivation, interest, and training to prepare successful

instruction using computers. Finally, students must be computer literate before improvements in

their learning can be attained (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).

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Software that helps improve basic skills like writing have been successful in studies.

Table 1. (Consortium Research Fellows Program) A Summary of Primary Research Studies on

Computer Use for Elementary Students, show positive results in 7 out of 11 studies. These

studies lasted from one month to three years. Word-processing seems to be the most effective

technological tool (Consortium Research Fellows Program). Here, in a passage from The Use of

Computer Tools to Support Meaningful Learning, you see a sucessful result for a study linking

computer profissioncy to impoved academic achievment:

a study to establish the relationship between computer technology and student

achievement in mathematics, Wenglinsky (1998) reported a positive correlation between

computer proficiency skills and academic achievement. Students who used computers

and incorporated constructive strategies reported significantly higher scores than students

who relied only on computer-based drill-and-practice programs to learn mathematics.

On review studies related to technology and student achievement, Sivin-Kachala and

Bialo (2000) reported positive and significant gains for students who were engaged in

technology-rich environments. Those students showed significant gains and achievement

in all subjects, increased achievement and improved attitude toward their own learning,

and increased self esteem.

Also noted was “Students who used computers and incorporated constructive strategies reported

significantly higher scores than students who relied only on computer-based drill-and-practice

programs to learn mathematics (Keengwe, 2008)." This shows that teacher, student and

technology are better than student and technology alone.

Finally, children with disabilities benefit from the use of technology in multiple ways.

Many of them would struggle without the modifications technology provides. I have personally

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taught a visually impaired student who was able to have all materials enlarged so that she could

see them. Research shows computers are a great tool for children with disabilities that encourage

them to work out problems alone, also increasing their interaction with the learning environment

(Keengwe, 2008).

Conclusion

Technology integration into education is an effective way to increase learning, I believe

this research shows technology properly integrated into the learning environment improves

learning gains. Clearly, we know technology alone will not improve education, however there

are numerous worthwhile benefits to employing technology as an instructional tool (Keengwe,

2008). These benefits are not limited to students alone (Consortium Research Fellows Program).

Teachers can improve upon many instructional and organizational strategies with the help of

technology (Keengwe, 2008). Lastly, students enjoy learning more when it involves the use of

technology (Consortium Research Fellows Program).

One recommendation for further research would be a study on how technology can help

enhance secondary physical education, specifically personal fitness. My final recommendation

for further study would be how technology can enhance learning secondary level science.

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Bibliography

Consortium Research Fellows Program. Computers In The Classroom: The Impact Of

Technology On Student Learning. Alexandria: Dr. Robert S. Ruskin.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2000). Student Learning. Retrieved 12 03,

2009, from Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology:

http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=evidence&answerID=11

Keengwe, J. O. (2008). The Use of Computer Tools to Support Meaningful Learning. AACE

Journal , 77-92.