Today I came across two online articles that reinforce what I think about using technology in the classroom and in educational settings in general. Note: all the links open a new page, close it to return to this page.
Putting an End to Topical Research is posted in Jamie McKenzie's online tech ed journal from now on. He discusses putting an end to "smushing" where students simply gather a bunch of information, smush it, and regurgiate it without ever have really critically evaluated or used the information.
Major Study Questions Value of School Software, an article posted in eSchoolNews, review a study that showed that use of several reading and math programs did little or nothing to improve test scores in the student population studied.The actual report can be found at the US Department of Education's website at ies.
The eSchoolNews article points out that there are concerns about the study design, and the fact that the teachers involved in the study had limited training on the use of the software. However, I feel the bigger issue is the use of "practice" type software. There was a great study published (and now I can't find the reference) that demonstrated that it wasn't drill type software that improved scores but using the technology for project-based learning, such as WebQuests, that require students to use critical thinking skills.
Last night on the news it was mentioned that there are studies that prove that technology doesn't improve test scores. Did any of us "tech" types ever claim it did? Again the claims come from the "educators" that think that there is a quick fix for good teaching through technology.
Integration of technology means thoughtful and smart teaching and using technology as one tool in the teacher arsenal.
Oh shoot, I am preaching to the choir!
Posted by: Barbara Masters | April 07, 2007 at 09:52 AM