Does Technology Belong in the Classroom? Presented by: Molly Carlson

“Technology takes us in the direction of new possibilities for collaboration, for linking the conversations that occur among people, and for linking people with new bodies of knowledge. It can lead to a continuing stream of new insights.” -John Kao, A Passion for Ideas (2003) Online Technology in K-12 Education

 Universities have had success in using online classroom technology.  Does this work at the K-12 level?  Should I be using technology in my classroom? Online Technology in K-12 Education

 Class websites  Homework assignments  Discussion forums  Message boards  Live web chats  Peer-tutoring  Posting/distribution of materials  Internal class Online Classroom Technology

Is there value to the implementation of online classroom technology as a supplement to traditional teaching methods in K-12 education? Research Question

 Who is using online classroom technology?  What is currently being done at the K-12 level?  What are the advantages and disadvantages?  What recommendations can be made to teachers?  How can teachers implement technology? Research Objectives

 Surveyed 50 K-12 Minnesota teachers currently using online technology  Contacted via  Online survey  15 questions  12 close-ended  3 open-ended Methodology

 29 completed the survey.  58% overall response rate  Survey respondents technology- savvy  Enthusiastic about participating Response

 Technology available in schools:  76% of respondents have enough computers available for every student to use a computer at the same time.  76% of respondents say that more than 2/3 of students have access to the Internet at home. Results: Availability

 Online classroom technology is most frequently used:  At the high school level.  In the core subjects: English, science, social studies, and math.  By veteran teachers. Results: Use

 Common uses of online classroom technology:  Homework assignments  Posting and collecting course material  Teaching and learning purposes Results: Use

Results: Advantages  Increases student motivation  Increases learning  Extends learning resources for students  Expands teaching methods available  Extends teaching resources

Results: Disadvantages  Loss of class time  Lack of funding  Lack of technology access  Reliability of online information

 96% of respondents agree or strongly agree with the statement: “There is a definite value to the implementation of online classroom technology as a supplement to my traditional curriculum.”  No respondents disagree. Results: Value

Is there value to the implementation of online classroom technology as a supplement to traditional teaching methods in K-12 education? Research Question

Is there value to the implementation of online classroom technology as a supplement to traditional teaching methods in K-12 education? Yes Research Question

 Technology is available for online assignments and activities.  Online technology is useful for many classroom activities.  Use of online technology increases student motivation and learning.  Online technology expands resources available for students and teachers. Summary

 Participate in technology training.  Recognize challenges regarding time, funding and research problems.  Obtain input from teachers who have used online classroom technology. Recommendations for Teachers

Questions?

Thank You!