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1. Technology Can Improve Learning<br />Joshua A. Worsham<br />Boise State University <br />Author Note<br />Joshua Worsham, Graduate Student, Department of Educational Technology, Boise State University. <br />Abstract<br />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.<br />“Using technology to teach using traditional methods will only lead to traditional results.”<br />John Bailey, former Director, Office of Instructional Technology, U.S. Dept. of Education <br />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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). These benefits are not limited to students alone CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program). Teachers can accomplish more in less time with the help of technology CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). Lastly, students enjoy learning more when it involves the use of technology CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program). <br />What We Know About Technology's Effect on Teaching and Learning<br />One reoccurring theme in research of effectiveness of technology in the classroom is how quot;
at riskquot;
students can benefit from its use. quot;
After considerable reflection, for this body of literature we have chosen from many possible labels that of quot;
At Risk Students.quot;
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 quot;
slow learners,quot;
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 CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program).quot;
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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). <br />Multiple sources agree that technology alone cannot improve learning CITATION Kee08 1033 (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 CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program).<br />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. <br />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 CITATION Int00 1033 (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).<br />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 CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program)! Finally, quot;
technology improves motivation, attitude, and interest when students use challenging, game-like programs and technology applications designed to develop basic skills and knowledge CITATION Int00 1033 (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).<br />Benefits of Employing Technology as an Instructional Tool<br />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 CITATION Int00 1033 (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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008).<br />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 CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program). These types of communications tend to result in improved achievement CITATION Int00 1033 (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000). <br />Two major components of computer technology applications are those for delivery of information and those involving educational management systems CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program). The beauty of an quot;
Officequot;
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 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 CITATION Int00 1033 (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).<br />quot;
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 CITATION Int00 1033 (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).quot;
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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). <br />Technology alone will not improve education.<br />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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (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 CITATION Int00 1033 (International Society for Technology in Education, 2000).<br />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: <br />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.<br />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. <br />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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008).quot;
This shows that teacher, student and technology are better than student and technology alone.<br />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 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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). <br /> Conclusion<br />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 CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). These benefits are not limited to students alone CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program). Teachers can improve upon many instructional and organizational strategies with the help of technology CITATION Kee08 1033 (Keengwe, 2008). Lastly, students enjoy learning more when it involves the use of technology CITATION Con 1033 (Consortium Research Fellows Program). <br />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. <br />Bibliography<br /> BIBLIOGRAPHY 1033 Consortium Research Fellows Program. Computers In The Classroom: The Impact Of Technology On Student Learning. Alexandria: Dr. Robert S. Ruskin.<br />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<br />Keengwe, J. O. (2008). The Use of Computer Tools to Support Meaningful Learning. AACE Journal , 77-92.<br />