A Study of the Effective Use and Integration of Technology
Graduation Date
Summer 2006
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
Technology is rapidly becoming a prevalent tool in schools and teachers can expect technology’s presence to continue to increase. It is therefore necessary for schools to make changes so that technology can be used effectively and have a positive impact on student achievement and learning. This paper explores the following questions: a) what are the most effective methods of technology integration? b) Does the use of technology impact student achievement? c) What are the obstacles to effective use of technology? This paper begins with an examination of the impact of technology on student learning: what works and what does not. Next, is a review of research on the methods of technology use in the classroom and the methods that impact student achievement? Finally, factors such as the obstacles to the effective use of technology in the classroom, the process of teacher change, and the support systems necessary to implement change are examined. The concluding objective of this project is to have students and teachers use technology as an effective tool for learning.