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Integration of technology in schools
Integration of technology in schools
Integration of technology in schools
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Closing the Gap for 6th Grade Math Students
Today, schools in Oklahoma are being graded largely on their students’ achievement levels in four core curriculum subject areas (Oklahoma State Department, 2014). If a student fails to gain the knowledge needed in only one content area each year, then by the end of 5th grade he or she could possibly be behind in six content areas or be six years behind in one area. A number of students come into (6th grade) middle school math classes without the necessary math skills to begin the state core curriculum for their grade level (O’Byrne, Securro, Jones, Cadle, 2006 ). Oklahoma’s 6th grade math curriculum has definite expectations that must be met before a student can begin the curriculum and expect to have any success. Students entering 6th grade are expected to be proficient in operations with fractions and decimals (Oklahoma Academic Standards, 2014). During sixth grade students will learn to evaluate expressions and solve equations that contain fractions and decimals (Oklahoma Academic Standards, 2014). A need exists to find the best method to identify the students with deficiencies and address those deficiencies by adjusting instructional strategies at the beginning of the school year in order to give those students an opportunity to be successful in class and to score at the proficient level on state tests.
Definition of Terms
Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests (OCCT) are administered in various subjects in grades 3 through 8.
Oklahoma Academic Standards adopted in 2010 are the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
An Integrated Learning System (ILS) is a software package that delivers computer based instructional content that tracks student mastery of defined skills and based on studen...
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...ia Consulting, LLC.
Mendicino, M., Razzaq, L., & Heffernan, N. (2009). A Comparison of Traditional Homework to Computer-Supported Homework. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 331-359.
O'Byrne, B., Securro, S., Jones, J., & Cadle, C. (2006). Making the cut: the impact of an itegrated learning system on low achieving middle school students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 218-228.
Oklahoma State Department of Education. (2014, February). A-F Grading System. Retrieved from Oklahoma State Deptartment of Education: http://ok.gov/sde/f-grading-system
Walsh, J. (2012). Co-Teaching as a School System Strategy for Continuous Improvement. Preventing School Failure, 29-36.
Watts, J. (2008). Case Studies Research Summeries of Study Island. Liousa: Magnolia Consulting.
Watts, J. (2008). Study Island Scientific Research Base. Louisa: Magnolia Consulting, LLC.
Thornton Fractional South High School represents a diverse school building in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. We consist of a traditional 9th through 12th grade building with the exception of busing students to the District 215 Tech Center for vocational classes. We share these resources with our sister school TF North. Although we consistently outperform TFN, we are behind the state averages on both the ACT and the PSAE. On the ACT, we are below the state average on the composite score as well as on all three recorded sub-categories. We were closest to the state average in Science and the furthest in Reading. As for the PSAE test to measure those students meeting and exceeding standards, we are again behind the state average. TFS averaged 40.5% of students tested to meet or exceed standards. Meanwhile, the State of Illinois average was 53%. Currently, we are on the Academic Watch Status year 2. We were unable to meet the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or the Safe Harbor Target Goal for Reading and Mathematics which are the two target areas. Our goal as a school is to reach the AYP and attempt to reach and exceed the state averages on the ACT and PSAE.
Van de Walle, J., , F., Karp, K. S., & Bay-Williams, J. M. (2010). Elementary and middle school mathematics, teaching developmentally. (Seventh ed.). New York, NY: Allyn & Bacon.
The world’s technology advancements are quickly developing, thus, unquestionably, contributing to the extraordinary benefits obtained by students, parents, and educators. Students are provided an enhanced understanding of diverse subjects due to presentations, use of the Internet, and various programs, assisting them with projects, homework, tests, or merely general interest. Classroom computer use is certainly beneficial to parents as well. If a student does not have computer access at home to complete a project or essay, it could easily be completed on the classroom’s computer. This avoids any conflicts that may arise from families that do not have access to a personal computer. Teachers are able to easily compose a multimedia presentation to, not only help teach the class, but also to assist the pupils while taking notes and ensuring their understanding of the topic.
Co-teaching is the collaboration of two or more credentialed teaching professionals, most typically a general education teacher and a special education teacher. To truly qualify as a co-teaching model, each teacher must be actively involved in the teaching of the lessons. Each teacher contributes their own unique expertise to the planning, instruction, and managing of all students in the classroom. If executed in this way, co-teaching can enhance the learning environment and involve and engage all students in the classroom. All students, from the academically gifted to the academically challenged, can benefit from the increased engaged time and more diverse instruction which the co-teaching model offers.
Over the past few decades, technology has advanced significantly. The use of calculators, computers, and other techniques in many fields has increased. On a large scale, technology is replacing traditional methods of instruction in the field of education. Many people believe that adopting technology in the learning process can increase productivity. However, David Gelernter, a professor at Yale University and a leading figure in the field of technology, suggests limiting the use of technology in the classroom in his article “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” published in the New Republic magazine in 1994.
“The typical student, even in high school does not spend more than an hour per day on homework” (Loveless NP). However, there is an ongoing dispute between critics on whether a lot of homework has more negative effects than positive effects, and vice versa. Homework is the greatest tool for student success, whether they realize it or not, homework is the key to success, it may not be to fun, but it has many positive effects. Homework improves academic success, it develops non-school skills, and it helps involve parents.
In the 1980’s a report called “A Nation At Risk” stated that American children had fallen behind in such subjects as math and science. Thus came the advent of education’s increased focus on literacy and numeracy, accountability and academic standards. These high standards, according to Dumas (2000), are the most significant trend in schools today.
Presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of computer-based integrated learning system (ILS) in schools in the United States. Subjects in which ILS is used; ILS' ability to track students' progress on learning activities; ILS' effectiveness in improving student learning; Underutilization of ILS in American schools; Potential of ILS to transform the classroom.
Ward (2005) explores writing and reading as the major literary mediums for learning mathematics, in order for students to be well equipped for things they may see in the real world. The most recent trends in education have teachers and curriculum writers stressed about finding new ways to tie in current events and real-world situations to the subjects being taught in the classroom. Wohlhuter & Quintero (2003) discuss how simply “listening” to mathematics in the classroom has no effect on success in student academics. It’s important to implement mathematical literacy at a very young age. A case study in the article by authors Wohlhuter & Quintero explores a program where mathematics and literacy were implemented together for children all the way through eight years of age. Preservice teachers entered a one week program where lessons were taught to them as if they were teaching the age group it was directed towards. When asked for a definition of mathematics, preservice teachers gave answers such as: something related to numbers, calculations, and estimations. However, no one emphasized how math is in fact extremely dependable on problem-solving, explanations, and logic. All these things have literacy already incorporated into them. According to Wohlhuter and Quintero (2003), the major takeaways from this program, when tested, were that “sorting blocks, dividing a candy bar equally, drawing pictures, or reading cereal boxes, young children are experienced mathematicians, readers, and writers when they enter kindergarten.” These skills are in fact what they need to succeed in the real-world. These strategies have shown to lead to higher success rates for students even after they graduate
Cooper, Robinson and Patall 2006; Corno and Xu 2004; Johnson and Pontius 1989; Warton 2001. (February 5, 2007) “What research says about the value of homework: At a glance “Center for public. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Instruction/What-research-says-about-the-value-of-homework-At-a-glance
The purpose of Chapter two is to review literature related to the major variables within the study. Two literature reviews were conducted. The first literature review examined the retention rates and low standardized test scores on Students taking Middle School Math. This follows the purpose of the conceptual framework, the Keller’s ARCS model(1987). Here, there will be literature related to inform the study that is related to the research design, intervention design, and measurement instruments. Lastly there will be a section on the Conceptual Framework.
Council of Chief State School Officers and National Governors Association. (2010). Common Core States Standards. Retrieved from http://www.corestandards.org/
Sun, C.Y. & Benton, D. 2008, The Socioeconomic Disparity in Technology Use and Its Impact on Academic Performance. In K. McFerrin et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2008 pp. 1025-1028. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Modern technology has made it so much easier to obtain educational information for classroom or homework assignments. It offers educational games that stimulate the brain and help children who have difficulties focusing on traditional teaching and learning procedures. College students are even taking advantage of online courses that many colleges are offering as an alternative to physically attending classes. Advances in technology and computers will continue to play an important role in education for many generations to come.
Technology properly used in the classroom has many advantages to a student’s learning. Technology can help students become more involved in their own learning process, which is not seen in the traditional classroom. It allows them to master basic skills at their own rate rather than being left behind. Teachers and students alike can connect to real life situations by using technology in the classroom; this can also help to prepare students for real world situations. Technology can be used to motivate students as well as to offer more challenging opportunities. It can also be used as a visualization tool to keep students interested in the subject that is being taught. When technology is used effectively, students have the opportunity to develop skills that they may not get without the use of technology (Cleaver, 2011). Assessing and monitoring students is easier on the teacher because of the ability to use technology in the classroom. When technology is used correctly it offers limitless resources to a classroom atmosphere.