Academic Achievement??
1. Identify and analyze current research on the relationship between technology and student achievement.
2. Evaluate the reliability of technology use within the classroom.
3. Compare the ability for technology to allow students of different learning abilities/backgrounds to achieve.
Overview- Over the past decade, we have discovered new forms of technology. As our technological capabilities continue to advance, stakeholders in education ask themselves: Does technology improve student academic achievement? In this course module, you will look at the latest research on this issue and formulate your own conclusion. Due to the extensive nature of this issue, we will primarily examine the relationship between computer/Internet use and academic achievement.
Activity- For this activity, you will examine current studies on the success of computers in the classroom setting. While you read different opinions on technology and achievement, consider the various types of students that we teach.
1. Accelerated/Gifted Students
2. Students w/ Disabilities
3. Homeschooled Students
4. ESOL students (primary language other than English)
5. Average-Ability Students
6. Students who do not have access to technology outside of school.
Consider how these students may/may not
succeed with technology.
Reading- Read the text on each of the following links to discover the current opinions on computers and achievement. As you read, think about how the authors support their argument.
"Computers DO influence academic achievement"
Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement - Overview of the issue, with different perpectives from educators.
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm
How Does Technology Use Impact Middle-Level Learners? - Two university professors summarize research done by the National Middle School Association. http://www.nmsa.org/research/ressum19.htm
"Computers DO NOT influence academic achievement"
Computers Make Kids Smarter--Right? - Two educators from California criticize research done to support computer use in schools. http://www.technos.net/tq_07/2cuban.htm
Fool's Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood - An extensive examination of the negative impact of computers upon developmental skills. http://www.allianceforchildhood.net/projects/computers/computers_reports_fools_gold_download.htm
After reading the text, discuss the following questions in Blackboard discussion groups.
1. Discussion Moderators: Choose one article that supports technology and achievement and one article that does not. For this week's discussion, consider the effectiveness of both arguments. What evidence does each argument use to make their case? Does the research coincide with what you see in your classrooms?? Explain.
2. Also, consider this question throughout your discussion...Have you had experiences where some students succeed with computer use while others do not?? Explain why you think this happens.
Assignment- Now that you have a background on the opinions that exist on computers and academic success, think about which opinions/studies match your opinion on the issue. Write a 2-page paper explaining which piece of the "latest research" best fits your belief on the impact of technology upon academic achievement. Your paper must be typed, double spaced in a 12-point font. Be sure to include the following in your paper:
1. A paragraph summary of one of the studies that reflects your beliefs
2. A brief explanation of how the research you chose reflects your beliefs
3. Specific examples of how students of different types are impacted by technology use-Choose at least 3 of the "student types" listed in the Activity section of this module.
Submission- Upon completion, please send your paper to your instructor as an email attachment.
Rubric-
| Criteria |
Basic 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
| Summary of Current Research |
Refers to a specific study on
technology and achievement, but does not seem to capture the argument
of the research. Summary does not show an understanding of the
research. |
Refers to a specific study on
technology and achievement. Summary reveals the basic argument of
the research that relates to the argument of the paper. Summary
lacks evidence used to support argument of the research. |
Shows a clear understanding of a
specific study on technolgy and achievement. Contains
quotes/summaries that accurately depict the argument of the study. |
| Explanation of Your Opinion |
Explains opinion briefly, but
lacks any evidence/experience to support argument. Does not show
any connection/reference to the research summary. |
Explains opinion with frequent
reference to evidence/experience to support argument. Opinion
does not reflect or refer to research summary. |
Clearly explains opinion with
frequent reference to evidence/experience to support arguement.
Opinion reflects and refers to research summary |
| Students Impacted by Technology Use |
Identifies less than 3 "types"
of students impacted by technology. Explanation of how students
are impacted does not support the argument of the paper. |
Identifies at least 3 "types" of
students impacted by technology. Gives opinion on how technology
does/does not help each group succeed that supports the argument of the
paper. Does not provide evidence from research/experience. |
Identifies at least 3 "types" of
students impacted by technology use that supports the argument of the
paper. Provides evidence from research/experience. |
| Format/Spelling & Grammar |
Paper contains several
spelling/grammar errors that detract the reader from the
argument. Paper is not written in appropriate format. |
Paper contains a few
spelling/grammar errors that do not detract the reader from the
argument. Paper is typed in proper format. |
Paper is free of any
spelling/grammatical errors. Paper is typed in proper format. |
Additional Resources- for further research, consult these resources:
Computer Image- www.osstf.on.ca/.../ 2se/computer%20toon.gif
Computer Use By Children and Adolescents in 2001 - http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2004014
Push for Computers in Classrooms Gathers New Foes - http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/12/cyber/education/15education.html
Focus Shifts to Effectiveness of Technology - http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/07/cyber/education/14education.html