Technology and Student Achievement

by Nancy Protheroe

Protheroe, N. (2005). Technology and Student Achievement. National Association of Elementary School Principals, 85(2), 46-48.

The author concentrates mainly on the following question “Is there evidence that using technology leads to higher levels of student learning?” she explains that this question remains unanswered because schools have been unsure about the outcome they want to attain with technology. She quotes (Glennan and Melmed 1996). In their demand for new measures to be used to assess Problem-solving skills, deeper understanding, and higher motivation, because the dynamic nature of technology makes meaningful evaluation difficult. She relies on the finding of Stratham and Torell (1996) in their opinion about significant effect of technology when properly implemented, and how will increase teacher student interaction and student inquiry skills. She shows additional researches prove how students in classrooms equipped with computer displayed better behavior and had lower absentee and drop-out rates. She includes in her paper group of researcher who support the effect of technology on students’ achievement, for instance Waddoups (2004) who believes that the central to effective technology integration is the teacher’s training, his knowledge and attitude toward technology. Also adaption of new teaching method to fit in the needs and situations of learners and their ability to make use of technology. She concludes by highlighting on the following ideas: Linking Technology with new teaching models and planning for effective use of technology.  Needs to new models of teaching that can be supported by use of technology, and engage students in the learning process. Provides students with learning experiences that help them build on their prior knowledge. This paper is lining up with researchers those who believe in the inevitability of good impact of technology on the students’ achievement. She collects solid researches to prove her point of view and neglects other opposing views. She succeeds to convey her message in explaining the key element is not the presence of the technology, but the way trained and gifted teacher would utilize technology in classrooms. 

http://www.learning.com/resources/NAESP-Technology-and-Student-Achievement.pdf