1. Technology Help or Hinderance? DOMINIQUE JOHNSON EDU671: FUNDAMENTALS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INSTRUCTOR: FREDERICK ANSOFF 2 JUNE 2014

2. Area of Focus: The purpose of this study is to describe the impact that computer based programs have on children’s test scores. I will test how well a student does using the computer for phonics reading comprehension versus a student who is taught in a normal classroom setting verbally with visuals and teacher student interaction.

3. What is the problem?  The problem that technology can pose when introduced to early into the classroom is that students can develop a dependence on certain devices such as computers, tablets and Ipads; which can hinder them in simple everyday task like reading, spelling and mathematics.  This does not include students who have to use these devices due to disabilities.

4. Variables  Some key factors in my research would be the students that I am asking to participate. All the students must have some prior knowledge of the computer which will be the mode of technology used.  Teacher participation is another variable that must be addresses. In one class I am asking the students be taught via computer. In a separate class I am asking the same information be taught via student teacher interaction.  Children who have an active IEP, will not participate in this research as to not interrupt their learning environment.  Other variables include:  Parental approval  Computers  And location in which students use the computers

5. Research Questions  Will students learn ELA better with teacher to students interaction?  Will students learn ELA better using the computer software program Successmaker?  When given the written test at the end of the lesson will students who used the computer to learn the material test lower, or higher thank those who had teacher interaction.

6. Locus of Control  One factor that I can control throughout this entire experiment is the computer software. “ SuccessMaker is educational software that differentiates and personalizes K-8 reading and math instruction better than any other program on the market. SuccessMaker provides instruction, practice and assessment that is well-correlated to Common Core Standards for both mathematics and language arts at all grade levels of the program. Designed to accommodate a full array of different learning styles - including those served by special education, or who are gifted, at-risk and English language learners, every aspect of SuccessMaker is singularly focused on the individual needs and desires of real students and educators.” Being that this program has already been approved here in district one and is currently used in the school we don’t have to worry about getting it approved by the district.  The second factor that I can control is the amount of time spent for ELA

7. Intervention/Innovation  Technology is here to stay and I understand that as educators we must ensure our students know and understand how to use technology. With this said there can be an over exposure to technology which can hinder our students growth. I simply want to show this in the simplest form by allowing the test scores to show whether students are depending on the technology to help them with ELA.  I don’t wish to have the use technology taken out I just wish to limit the amount of time that is spent using computer programs.

8. Group Membership  Teachers-agree to allow me to observe the class, to see how students are responding to the different classroom teachings.  Students- have to be willing to participate and present to get accurate data.  Parental consent and involvement- I want parents to not only know what I am doing but also want them understand and hopefully take an active role in the research.

9. Negotiations/Ethics  Some obstacles that can pose challenging is teacher involvement being that there are only five 1 st grade classes I have a limited amount of teachers that may or may not decides to help me in conducting this research.  The amount of computers between both classrooms may not be enough with this said I may have to see if the computer lab can be used.  Being that I will not be using students who may be considered special needs parents might feel like their child is being left out.  Parents are one of the most important elements, being that we are working with minors we would need their consent to use their child in the research.

10. Timeline  Parental Consent/parental surveys- should parents agree to have their students participate they will be given a small questioner. I give this 2 weeks to be filled out and sent back with there children.  Familiarization of software for classroom A. I will give this two weeks for the students to become familiar with the program.  Observation of classroom A (use of computers for ELA) and classroom B (teacher taught class) 60 days I will be looking at knowledge check scores and students observation and teacher interviews to see how the students are doing  End of course testing 2 days-just incase students miss they have an opportunity to make up the testing date.  Conclusion of the testing score and data collection 1 day

11. Statement of Resources  Teacher consent  Parental consent  Use of computers  Access to classrooms  And students participation

12. Data Collection Research QuestionsData Collection Tool Why this tool? Justify its use in your study. How does it match with what you are attempting to find and to measure? 1. Are phonics and reading comprehension scores on target? 1 Review previous 1 st grade scores 2 Interview principal regarding test scores and trends 3 It’s important to review the previous test scores for the 1st grade. I can see if there is significant problems that need to be addressed before the students are subjected to the research. How we teach is a major part of how the students will learn and if the computer is a faster and better way for the student to learn phonics then we should be utilizing it more and if not we need to know so that our students are not being set back. 2. Is the computer program Success Maker being utilized to access comprehension scores currently in grade 1? Teacher Survey Success maker is being used through out the school but I am not sure how many teachers utilize it for what it can do. The program not only can be tailor to fit each students needs it also records the progress and trends leaving the teachers with more free time to tend to those who may need special attention. 3. Which program will the children prefer to work with a teacher or a computer Teacher SurveyStudent SurveyStudent Observation It will be interesting to see how the children will respond to being taught by a computer although computer programs may seem more appealing. Not all students may prefer this method or be able to learn in an independent setting. This will show me those students who have already created a dependence on tech and those who have not.