EDLD+5364+Week+2

 =Week 2= = = Week 2 Teaching With Technology

The information covered this week emphasizes the importance of goals and objectives in learning as well as strategies for positively impacting that learning. In this era of increased accountability for the learning of all students, it is important to recognize the benefits to student engagement, motivation, and achievement that can result from the use of technology in the classroom. “Children in technology-enriched classrooms appear to score higher on standardized tests in mathematics, to take control of their own learning environment, to work well in cooperative groups to accomplish a common task, and to place worth in their ability to be productive students and citizens” (Page, 2002). It is important for the learning objectives to be clear and concise if the use of technology is to enhance learning. On the subject of the focused use of technology to improve learning, Schacter (1999) concluded, “There is, however, evidence in some of these studies that learning technology is less effective or ineffective when the learning objectives are unclear and the focus of the technology use is diffuse.” Technology offers tools to clarify and personalize learning while shifting the responsibility of goal-setting to the student. Students are able to create personal learning plans using word processing applications or organizing and brainstorming software. This gives them a more focused approach to learning and greater ownership of the outcome.

 Another challenge many teachers face is the diversity of the learners in their classrooms. These range from Gifted and Talented students to English Language Learners, sensory impaired students, and low achieving students. Technology holds promise for meeting the demands of differentiated instruction necessary to reach all learners. Page (2002) stated that “Computers appear to be especially productive with children designated as nontraditional. Students with special needs have experienced increased levels of performance and support when engaging in instruction involving computers.” Technology also allows students of varied levels to collaborate effectively and increase their learning potential. “When students work in cooperative computer groups, as opposed to working alone at computers, significantly more learning takes place as the result of student interaction” (Page). The information covered in this week has been very beneficial in revealing ways to use technology for goal setting and objective achievement purposes.

References  Page, M. S. (2002). Technology-enriched classrooms: Effects on students of low socioeconomic status. //Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34//(4), 389 – 409. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from the International Society of Education at []

Schacter, J. (1999). //The impact of education technology on student achievement: What the most current research has to say.// Santa Monica, CA: Milken Exchange on Education Technology. Retrieved on October 5, 2009, from []. 