Technology and Action Research

Action Research

   This year I'm conducting acton research in the classroom. This has presented itself with challenges and opportunities for me to improve my teaching practice. I've had the fortunate opportunity to utilize the Google Nexus tablets in the classroom for every student. My research examines the impact of this technology on student learning and motivation. 

Question: What happens to student learning when I implement a 1:1 tablet program?

Sub-question:

• How do students use technology to advance questions and learning?
• What happens to students motivation in the classroom?
• In what ways does performance in math and science improve when I incorporate tablets as a study and research tool?
• What happens to teacher-student communication through the use of technology?

Rationale:
Since the emergence of the Internet and the expansion of computer use in education, there have been debates about whether and how to employ technology in K-12 education. With the implementation of the Common Core standards, there will be a greater emphasis on the use of technology in the classroom. School districts will be spending millions of dollars to upgrade their technologies, but what technologies will be necessary to obtain the highest return on student learning? Tablet technologies present themselves as an educational tool that allows for creative use and instant access to online resources. The use of tablets have become increasingly popular in classrooms across the country and seem to be one solution in meeting the needs of student learning. The idea that the use of tablet technology supports enhanced student learning seems strong, but I hope to discover through this project in what specific ways is students learning enhanced? I will incorporate the use of technology in math and science through app development, study tool and research. I’m will be looking as to how the students utilize the technology and how well it transfers to improved performance and communication.

I hope to discover through this research how information technology can contribute to learning. Evolving tablet technology calls for further investigation into the devices' potential contributions to learning and I hope this research can contribute to this body of work.  Tablets, laptops and other mobile devices aren't intended to replace traditional teaching tools, but designed to complement them. In my attempts to help promote student learning, I hope this research will serve as a guide to teachers and school districts looking for ways to enhance student learning through tablet technology. Assisting teachers as to how to use the technology will be a component, as well as what types of technologies are better suited to maximize student learning.

As an advocate of technology use in the classroom, I feel that students will have to be exposed to advanced levels of technology in 21st century learning environments. However, over the last few years I have witnessed a digital divide with some teachers and students with technology use in the classroom. Hayt Elementary has made a commitment to enhancing technology, but many classrooms have little access to technology in the classroom, with some classrooms with no access. In addition, devices such as ipads, smartphones and other forms of technology are oftentimes banned from being used by students in school. While students have little access inside the school, many students are using these technologies at home through gaming, social networking and shopping. How do we bridge this digital divide between school and home? This action research will explore current and emerging technologies that support communication, collaboration, community, and knowledge-building.