Article #2

Tanya McDaniel

SLM 521

James M. Laffey, Linda Espinosa, Joi Moore and Anika Lodree. Summer 2003. “Supporting Learning and Behavior of At-Risk Young Children: Computers in Urban Education.” Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v35 i4 p423 (18).

This article studies the effects of Interactive Computer Technology (ICT) experiences for at risk African-American children with low- socioeconomic status. The article discusses the sample they want to study and the reasons for conducting research. Students are being taught higher-order thinking skills and are presented with harder subject matter. It was suggested that African-American students with low socioeconomic status are less likely then affluent students to be taught in such a way. There are many reasons for this. Teachers may not be well qualified or might not have classroom management skills needed to engage these students. It was also stated that these classrooms are more likely to be poorly managed, have low expectations of students by teachers, and have students that fail to achieve or develop poor attitudes. The President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology feel that ICT experiences have the power to create positive learning experiences for these students. Students will use grade-level appropriate technology to explore concepts through self guided problem solving (3). The committee reported positive relationships between using computers and the performance of young children. The reporters used a Test of Basic Skills and Wiggleworks software to compare student performance. The students that did not use software scored lower that the students that participated in the ICT experience. The committee also reported that behavior disruptions were not apparent, when students were given activities associated with their skill level. Students reported as having more time on task and seemed highly engaged (5). The ICT experience proved to be successful for at risk students due to the immediate feedback and engaging tasks.

I feel that technology is a great tool to use for non- motivated students. All students should be given a chance to develop knowledge through technological experience. I have seen students become more engaged when they are presented a concept through the use of technology. I have also seen some students maintain attention that might otherwise be distracted. However, some students lose focus in the computer classroom. They seem to become so excited that they cannot focus and complete the activity on time. I do feel that all students should have experiences with concepts through technology. Computer experiences engage students with various learning styles. For example, computer experiences are motivating to tactile and visual learners. Therefore, teachers should allow students to experience math and reading content through the use of appropriate computer experiences.