Educational Technology Research
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| Source: Dominican University Canvas |
Educational Technology Research:
Educational Technology Research refers to a systematic attempt to gain a better understanding of the educational process to improve efficiency. This can be done by collecting data. Data is extremely useful when planning what kind or type of educational technology we may want to use in the classroom. In today's world, we live in a data driven society. Data collection helps educators make decisions that are proven to be impactful in a students learning. Whether it be gathering baseline data, benchmarking progress, or data that points to successful trends in educational technology, this data assists with daily decision making in regards to planning within the classroom.
Project Tomorrow's Speak Up Report:
According to Nicole Zumpano, an Educational Technology professor at Dominican University, Project Tomorrow's Speak Up report is one of the best research reports available to educators. Cited from Project Tomorrow's website, "The Speak Up Research Project for Digital Learning, a national initiative of Project Tomorrow, is both a national research project and a free service to schools and districts everywhere. Since fall 2003, Speak Up has helped education leaders include the voices of their stakeholders in annual and long-term planning. More than 5 million participants have made Speak Up the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered stakeholder input on education, technology, schools of the future, science and math instruction, professional development, and career exploration". In response to the praise of this report, I chose to explore this one to help me make better decisions in the classroom in regards to educational technology.
What Stood Out:
While navigating Project Tomorrow's website, I found some infographic data. The specific report I found is titled, New Generation of Mobile Devices.
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| Source: Project Tomorrow |
This report found of the teachers surveyed, 68% have students that do not have reliable connectivity to the internet. This report also found that 39% of students used WiFi at fast food restaurants or coffee shops to complete schoolwork. I had a sense that internet connectivity was an issue and that it is not equitable in all communities, but almost 70% of teachers surveyed having students without reliable internet points to a major problem. Also almost 40% of students using internet outside of their home at restaurants and coffee shops also stood out. In today's society with increased use of technology in all areas of one's life not having reliable internet is a societal issue. I will use this data to make decisions on what type of homework I'm assigning to students. I do not believe that a student should have to leave their home to go find internet to complete an assignment for public high school. I also believe that internet access should be available to all students attending public schools so they can receive an education that includes best practices which include the new trends in technology.
Hi Joe, I really like the graphics on your post as well as all of the labels! I read a research report similar to the one you mentioned in your post. I was also shocked to see the number of students without reliable internet. With Illinois schools receiving ESSAR funds to help with student needs in light of Covid, it sounds like providing internet connectivity should be at the top of the list. Thank you for sharing some ways you will use the research data in your educational practices. Being aware of the type of homework you assign makes a lot of sense. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Joe, the research is diffidently shocking!
ReplyDeleteEven when technology is a great tool to use, many schools can't afford it. Apart from that, we also need to take in consideration the student's home life. Many students do not WIFI at home and I know this was one of the reasons why COVID-19 affected those students in particular. I think the school should even offer free WIFI programs to students, in general.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI was also looking though that report and could relate to many things mentioned in it. On the one hand, I felt happy that the district I am working in was able to provided different options for students who did not have a reliable internet connectivity. From quarantine day 1 we had buses with hotspots driving around the community as well as internet on the parking lot by the school ( which I don't think is a good idea, as parents still need to drive and stay with kids during that time.
On the other hand, I have seen numerous numerous reports on TV, how students' absent rate during online learning was high, even though they were provided with devices and Internet connectivity.
I believe in the next few months or even years we will have even more researches on the long term effects of these issues.
Hey Joe! That graphic was definitely enlightening! I remember at the beginning of the pandemic, my school had run out of hot spots to lend out and I also remember seeing students sitting in fast food restaurant parking lots on the news. I think internet service providers should work with public schools to make sure that students have access to what they need. I agree with the statement from the graphic that Always on and always connected education devices allow students to learn everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you'll consider modifying your homework based on the research you read. I agree that in a public high school students shouldn't have to work so hard to get into an environment *just* to start an assignment. One of the positives of the school closures is that the issue of connectivity was brought to the forefront. The "fix" isn't as simple as throwing money at the problem, but that is one of the steps to a solution and the government is finally taking notice.
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