Technology Integration Affecting Student Outcomes

               The incorporation of technology into classrooms is becoming more and more popular, and is even being considered a “best practice.” Many districts have invested in student technology in hopes that the devices could be used to promote students’ learning, engagement, and academic achievement. Since there is such a strong emphasis on technology integration in classrooms, it is important to determine whether technology is actually beneficial for students. To determine this, documentation of student outcomes is essential. “Student learning outcomes can include measures of how well students learn, think, reason, and solve complex problems through the use of computers in the classroom” (Whitehead, Jensen, & Boschee, 2013, p. 232).

                Personally, I have been intrigued by technology integration in classrooms since I started teaching. My first year of teaching, my district implemented a 1:1 technology plan in which all students in grades 3-12 were provided with a laptop to use as an academic tool. I have loved incorporating technology into all of my lessons, but have always wondered if the technology was actually benefiting my students. In the Spring of 2015, I conducted an Action Research Project entitled The Effects of Web-Based Games on Fourth-Grade Students’ Math Proficiency. During this research plan, half of my students played digital mathematics games on a daily basis, while the other half worked without the use of technology. Based on the data collected I was able to infer that the integration of web-based games were more beneficial to students’ math proficiency than the completion of non-digital activities. 

Although my personal study indicated the benefits of technology integration, I wanted to know what other research suggested. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on technology in educational environments. These studies point to high levels of student engagement and learning (Green, Hill Lea, McNair, 2014).  A study conducted by Godzicki, Godzicki, Krofel, & Michaels (2013) found that students were m

ore likely to engaged in classroom activities when technology was used; and students’ behavior was more animated towards learning objectives when technology was used.

Studies clearly show technology is beneficial to students. Technology prepares students for the future. Technology integration leads to an improved retention rate. Technology helps students learn at their own pace. Technology connects with students. So why not push to integrate technology into classrooms?
Below is a video further discussing the affect of technology on student outcomes. The video discusses the changes and trends driving educational improvements today. Technology integration is at the top of the list of practices and resources that are supporting teachers and students. 

Green, M., Hill Lea, J., & McNair, C. L. (2014). Reality check. Teacher Librarion, 41(5), 28-34.

Godzicki, L., Godzicki, N., Krofel, M., & Michaels, R. (2013). Increasing motivation and engagement in elementary and middle school students through technology-supported learning environments. (Action research project). Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL.

Whitehad, B. M., Jensen, D. F. N., & Boschee, F. (2013). Planning for technology: A guide for school administrators, technology coordinators, and curriculum leaders. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.