Schools are no longer simply chalk and chalkboards. Though we still need to evaluate in terms of cost and effect when measuring any level of technology presented to students, the ante is continually upped as new hardware and software leaves the designers drawing boards.
We now need to add a component that a report at http://techknowlogia.org/TKL_Articles/PDF/17.pdf calls the surrounding conditions. Students can no longer go to class armed with the simple tools that generations past have used.
These surrounding conditions take the form of a new set of tools such as computers, smartboards, animations, and personal response systems for quizzes and exams.
An article at http://www.oten.info/conferences/jukes/ResearchSummary.pdf reports that students learn even the basic skills faster when they have access to technology, and at-risk students show substantial improvement when technology is introduced into their curriculum. Using web browsers, databases, and spreadsheets students are able to find information much faster, and then organize and evaluate that information.
ACOT (Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow) has compared statistics during a 5 year study. The figures shown reflect a change in student’s attitudes toward learning as well as their success in school. Technology can motivate students to higher levels of achievement, we really owe it to them to help them get all out of school that they possibly can.
Basic skills are practiced more efficiently using technology. When students are engaged they spend more time on basic learning. The needs of individual students, some of them with special needs, learn better with curriculum customized for them, technology makes this much easier and faster. Students with a higher level of comprehension show a greater likelihood of using what they learn later in life. Students can express themselves more clearly and accurately using a variety of means of communication such as is found in technology. With increased pride and interest in their work, students can be expected to miss less school, have lower dropout rates, have greater confidence in their abilities, and develop higher levels of self-esteem.
The challenge to achieve technological literacy is still the most difficult in areas serving low-socioeconomic, minority students. The “digital divide” must be breached to present a level playing field to all students, this is the only way that employment can be equally available to all. Low-SES schools have been found to use technology more for reinforcement and remediation of skills, while higher-SES schools use it more for presenting and analyzing information.
Defining the learning goals needs to be done effectively so there are no expectation gaps between teachers, parents, students, administration, and the community. Careful planning is a must to ensure that the technology needed is what is actually purchased, and that later budgeting problems aren’t the result. Professional development must be a part of the planning so that the proper use of technology can be passed from teachers to students.
The studies and the numbers speak for themselves, when students have technology available they learn the basics better and move on more quickly to a higher level of learning. To have any chance of competing in an ever harder employment sector, students need to have a level playing field or they will simply be left behind. There was a time when paper and pencils, blackboards and chalk, and textbooks were enough, those days are gone. To show respect for students by equipping them with the tools they need enables them to respect themselves more through higher achievement.