Literature Review
In an effort to provide a synthesis of current meta-analysis research, the literature review focused on two (2) broad research topics, student outcomes and professional development and implementation. Additionally, 1:1 educational technology and K-12 technology initiatives along with research on the effectiveness of 1:1 implementation on improving student learning is addressed.
Four (4) meta-analyses were reviewed, utilized, and synthesized to provide information from hundreds of studies and systematic reviews specifically focused on 1:1 educational technology and K-12 technology initiatives. These studies have identified consistent findings regarding the impact of 1:1 initiatives.
Student Outcomes
Academic Achievement
Findings from Sell, et al (2012)
Research cited suggest that “specific findings on math and reading appear to be negligible or have mixed findings. Research into the effects of 1:1 computing have been too limited with regards to science or social studies achievement to draw conclusions” (p. 21).
There is evidence among multiple studies to confidently suggest writing has shown the greatest impact on student academic achievement in comparison to other content areas.
Findings from Bebell (2010) and Penuel (2006)
Student achievement showed modest results. Increases were seen more predominantly in English Language Arts than Mathematics.
Findings from Holcomb (2009)
Student achievement in relation to 1:1 show various outcomes. A review of one-to-one computing in Maine, Michigan, and Virginia indicate, “evaluators found that math teachers used the laptops the least as compared to other content areas” (p. 51). Despite this, the study conducted in Maine showed an increase in math achieveme...
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...ngs from Holcomb (2009)
Many authors suggest that all parties involved in a 1:1 initiative need to possess and maintain realistic expectations. It is often the case that immediate results are not seen with a 1:1 initiative and in some cases, authors have even cited an initial negative impact on teaching and learning at the onset. A period of adjustment should be expected, as it can often take “five to eight years for an innovation to be implemented fully and for the impacts of the innovation to be discernible” (p. 51)
Students in ubiquitous learning environments, where access to technology is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week were seen to be more engaged in their learning for longer periods of time. Similarly, it was reported that students were spending more time engaged with assignments and learning outside of school than those without access.
... more likely the students will write effectively. When they feel in control of their writing they will gain confidence and be proud of their achievements (Gibbons, 2002).
Over the past few decades, technology has advanced significantly. The use of calculators, computers, and other techniques in many fields has increased. On a large scale, technology is replacing traditional methods of instruction in the field of education. Many people believe that adopting technology in the learning process can increase productivity. However, David Gelernter, a professor at Yale University and a leading figure in the field of technology, suggests limiting the use of technology in the classroom in his article “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” published in the New Republic magazine in 1994.
...ttention and focus to reduce the negative impacts on development of children. Research suggests that technology use and especially computers enhances development of children when properly used. On the other hand, the uncontrolled use of technology in childhood education may produce negative effects and impair development in children. Uses of technology in childhood education range from enhancing social interactions, language development to initial computer use skills. It is important to note that, technology use in children education is a matter of how it can be harnessed for the purposes of learning in children. Research by health professionals argues that technology use in children education can produce detrimental health effects especially obesity. Thus, children exposure to technological gadgets like computers and tablets among others should be greatly checked.
According to a 2013 study, eighty-five percent of students and faculty have admitted that they are distracted from their school work by technology. Ninety-nine percent of middle aged stud...
Image a school with laptops available to each student to complete their class notes, teachers who are able to help their students through the screens of their computer, children who are excited to learn about numbers with the help of cute, animated characters. With the endless advancement of today’s technology, schools across the world have begun integrating various technology into their curriculum. These devices have the potential to greatly impact students in their learning. When a school opts to use technology in a school setting, the most important factors they should take into consideration are the benefits of using technological devices, the effectiveness of technology used
Not many people would argue that computer technology is bad for the K-12 classroom. There is, however, a serious and thought-provoking debate going on regarding computer technology in the classroom. At issue is to what extent and at what age should computers be integrated in American classrooms. There is no question that a certain level of technology will bring improvements in academic achievement. In one study on children of low socioeconomic status a definite improvement was seen. It was noted that, “Increasing the technology available to students encourages, facilitates, and supports student achievement – at the elementary level, the most profound effects were found in the area of mathematics” (Page 391). Page also states that, “numerous studies have demonstrated that young children’s self-esteem or self-concept directly affects their academic performance” (Page 391).
Wright, Vivian H. and Elizabeth K. Wilson. "Teacher’s Use of Technology: Lessons Learned from the Teacher Education Program to the Classroom." 20.2 (2011): 48-58. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
Do you ever think about how much technology has changed the way we work, learn, play, and even think? Technology is a major beneficiary to society; especially in the classroom where we get the opportunity to learn and grow. In recent years, schools have begun implementing tablets and other devices in the classroom to better student’s education. The use of technology in the classroom provides more of a personalized learning experience and gives students a widespread availability to engage in learning. Technology is necessary in today’s modern globe, it is basically “the pen and paper of our time and the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Warlick, 2013). Technology is not just considered the “internet”, it is so much greater than that. Overall, it enhances the quality of education and engages students deeper than ever before. With all the significant gains, why would people argue that technology hinders students more than it helps? Critics may try to repute the use of technology in the classroom but I believe what really matters “is the way we use it, the context that we use it in, and the learners who we use it for” (Chong, 2012).
Sun, C.Y. & Benton, D. 2008, The Socioeconomic Disparity in Technology Use and Its Impact on Academic Performance. In K. McFerrin et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2008 pp. 1025-1028. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Wenglinsky, H. (1998). Does it compute? The relationship between educational technology and student achievement in mathematics. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service. Retrieved March 6, 2002, from ftp://ftp.ets.org/pub/res/technolog.pdf.
Grace-Martin, M., & Gay, G. “Web Browsing, Mobile Computing and Academic Performance.” Educational Technology and Society, 4(3), 2001: 95-107.
Computers are helping students get better grades in school, from help with homework over the internet to doing research for an essay at the local library. According to Rother (2004), "Technology has become ingrained in the educational process. It increases teacher productivity in a daily basis, enhanced student performance on key subjects, and improves student results in standardized tests."
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).
Due to the technology increase many schools are reporting higher test scores. One example is Northbrook Middle School in Houston Texas. The school is largely made up of minorities with low socioeconomic statuses. The students at this school recorded test scores that were sharply improved due to the involvement of technology.
Technology properly used in the classroom has many advantages to a student’s learning. Technology can help students become more involved in their own learning process, which is not seen in the traditional classroom. It allows them to master basic skills at their own rate rather than being left behind. Teachers and students alike can connect to real life situations by using technology in the classroom; this can also help to prepare students for real world situations. Technology can be used to motivate students as well as to offer more challenging opportunities. It can also be used as a visualization tool to keep students interested in the subject that is being taught. When technology is used effectively, students have the opportunity to develop skills that they may not get without the use of technology (Cleaver, 2011). Assessing and monitoring students is easier on the teacher because of the ability to use technology in the classroom. When technology is used correctly it offers limitless resources to a classroom atmosphere.