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Dan Platt, AEL697, Thoughts on Technology in the Classroom

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The purpose of this web page is to provide the educator, parent, student, and administrator current research results on technology in the classroom. The information will be provided as it is discovered and reviewed. Summaries will be provided on the results of studies supporting technology in the classroom as well as those not supporting technology in the classroom. Research will be ongoing.

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AEL697

Survey

Summary of Supporting Research:

Related Links:

Three main arguments arise against using technology in the classroom. These arguments cluster around the negative impact technology has had on the health, personal growth/socialization skills, and education of the student. However, more recent studies have shown the overwhelmingly positive affects computers have had on the personal growth, socialization skills, and academic growth of students. Current researchers have recognized the need to control the amount of time a young student spends on the computer to overcome the possible negative impact the computer could have on one's health; in fact, after carefully administering and controlling the computer environment, only positive affects are being observed.

Interview with Skinner

Results of the Survey: (On going)

1. Do you feel technology is beneficial or harmful to a student's education?

2. What is the most limiting factor in using technology in the classroom?

3. Do you feel computers are readily available for student use in the schools?

4. What negative side affects have you noticed from students using computers to enhance or support an educational environment?

5. Do you feel educators are adequately prepared to use computers to enhance the student's learning environment?

6. Do you feel parents support the use of computers in enhancing the learning environment?

7. Should computers be used as an enhancement in the learning environment?

Summary of Opposing Research:

Recent studies have identified repetitive stress injuries, eyestrain, obesity, and physical, emotional, and intellectual damage. Studies have also found that computers are causing an increased isolation both emotionally and physically in relationship between the computer child and the direct experiences and reality of the natural world. In fact, time spent with computers in the early years not only subtracts from important developmental tasks but may also entrench bad learning habits, leading to poor motivation and even symptoms of learning disabilities. Rising issues of the student's health, personal growth, socialization skills, and academic improvements need to be further studied and considered before implementing computerized learning environments.