Week 2

I was a bit surprised this week to find that two of the readings covered research from the 1980’s and 1990’s. I would have expected more current research. Michael Page discussed how technology impacts low-income students. The information was interesting, but with the fast access to technology I would have preferred to see what effects technology currently has on low-income students. Page (2002)specifically states, “Children in technology-enriched classrooms appear to score higher on standardized tests in mathematics, to take control of their own learning environment,to work well in cooperative groups to accomplish a common task, and to place worth in their ability to be productive students and citizens” (p 403). This may have been the case in 1998; however, with the availability of technology in the classroom and even at home for many low socioeconomic students, would the research be consistent in 2010?

John Schacter also compiled a report based on “current research” yet the various state and national studies took place between 1994 and 1999. The positive findings for technology usage definitely outweighed the negative findings in each of the studies. I believe the most beneficial information Schacter provided was the reference to the Milken Exchange. “To assist educators and policymakers in putting education first, the Milken Exchange serves as a clearinghouse of research and information on learning technology. To facilitate policy development and planning, the Exchange has developed its Seven Dimensions of Learning Technology. By paying attention to the learner, the learning environment, professional competency, system capacity, community connections, technology capacity, and accountability, technology will be kept in service to learning” (Schacter, 1999, p10). This was a great reference for teachers, technology teachers, curriculum writers, and principals that saves them time and provides the research information needed. Once again, we need to always ensure that the technology enhances the lesson and is not the center of attention.

Sources:
Page, M.S. (2002). Technology-enriched classrooms; Effects on students of low socioeconomic status. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34(4), 289-409. Retrieved March 1, 2011 from the International Society of Education at http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Number_4_Summer_2002&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&ContentFileID=830

Schacter, J. (1999). The impact of education technology on student achievement: What the most current research has to say. Santa Monica, CA: Milken Exchange on Education Technology. Retrieved March 1, 2011 from http://www.mff.org/pubs/ME161.pdf.