3. If we want to improve, we must embrace technology. Elementary student using Activboards in a presentation. Elementary students using iPads in a cooperative learning setting.
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5. Higher Test Scores in the Content Area Students in my 7 th grade geography class using an ActivBoard to present on Chinese fashion. Students in my 7 th grade geography class using an ActivBoard to present on China Scores of Students WITHOUT T echnology Scores of student WITH Technology At Grade Level 13 Weeks ABOVE Grade Level!
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Hinweis der Redaktion
Introduction: Do we want our students to be academically successful? Are we willing to do what it takes to ensure that they are prepared upon graduation? Do we want our school to be an innovative and successful school that others emulate? If the answer to these questions is yes, we must continue to support and enhance our school’s usage of technology.
Integrating technology into the curriculum is an essential part of a 21st century education. The latest research supports the notion that technology can positively influence student achievement. In addition, implementing technology will also help better prepare our students for employment and higher learning in the competitive “digital age” world. Using technology does not mean abandoning tried, tested, and research proven teaching methods. Technology should be used in conjunction with these methods and not replace them. We can ensure optimal use of the district’s technology purchases through continued professional development and the administration has pledged its continued support in the interest of our students. In the following presentation, I will discuss the preceding information in more detail. Explain the pictures.
(Read 1 st two short paragraphs below before bullets are revealed.) In the era of NCLB and AYP, it is important that we work towards increasing our test scores. In their article titled, “How Does Technology Influence Student Learning?” Burchett and his colleagues reference a study that showed how technology implementation had a positive effect on Standardized Test Scores. 1 st : BULLET In one instance, students scored an average of 94 points higher on the SAT-1 than students who received a traditional curriculum without as much technology. (Burchett et al, 2002) 2 nd BULLET: In another instance, higher performing fifth graders on the SAT-9 likely outperformed their peers because of technology access. (Burchett et al, 2002) 3 rd and 4 th BULLETS: In one of the studies analyzed by Schacter (1999), researchers found students with technology access achieved in the 64% percentile compared to the 50% percentile for students without access to technology.
Jay Sivin-Kachala determined in a 1998 meta-analysis that technology boosted achievement in all the major content areas. In a study conducted by Harold Wenglinsky (1998), students tested at a level 13 weeks above their grade level in math when the curriculum was enhanced with technology. English and social studies teachers report greater knowledge and skill levels after students have created multimedia projects. (Burchett et al, 2002) Students who have access to technology are much more likely to become engaged with the material and motivated to learn. (Riley, 1996)
Students who have technology access are better able to interact with and manipulate information. As a result, they display an increased aptitude in questions that require the use of higher order thinking skills. With technology, students can analyze, experiment with, and manipulate information in ways that would be impossible without technology. (Riley, 1996) “… students with extensive access to technology learn how to organize complex information, recognize patterns, draw inferences, and communicate findings. Not surprisingly, they exhibit superior organizational and problem-solving skills as compared to students in more traditional high school programs.” (Riley, 1996)
Burchett and his colleagues found that students who had access to technology at school were far more likely to acquire the technology skills many of today’s careers require. Skills likely to be acquired include: Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software Students also learn how to use and implement new technology faster and more efficiently. (Burchett et al, 2002) The gains in student learning, of course, have an even greater impact on their preparedness for the labor force.
Technology can be a catalyst towards tremendous achievement. However, it is useless it is not implemented with proven teaching methods. The teacher must keep in mind that technology is there to enhance learning and increase achievement in the content area. The state standards and desired outcomes are still the focus.
If teachers are going to learn how to implement technology effectively, continued professional development is essential. In many of the studies analyzed by Schacter (1999), student achievement improved only when technology implementation was accompanied by continued professional development. Technology professional development must be substantive. It must go beyond simply teaching how to use the technology. It must be centered on how to creatively integrate the technology in conjunction with proven teaching methods.
If we want our students realize their potential, we must provide them with the tools necessary to succeed. Technology is becoming more and more important in the 21st century business and academic world and we must provide our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete. Technology is not a fad and its capacity to improve student achievement has been proven through research. Through effective professional development and continued staff commitment we can become a school others strive to emulate. If we choose not to act, we will not only reduce our school’s status, but we will also reduce the opportunities of our graduates.