The Impact of Computer Training

1
The Impact of Computer Training

• Leela Collins
• Mary Hughes
• Shashi Srinath
• ISTC 685 Research in Instructional Technology
• April 24, 2007

2
Statement of Problem

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the
  effect of teacher computer training on the
  integration of computers in elementary school
  instruction.
• Teacher computer training is defined as classes
  that will allow teachers to become comfortable
  using the software and hardware available at
  their school.

3
Hypothesis

• Elementary school teachers who receive proper
  training in the use of computers will incorporate
  computer technology at a higher rate than those
  teachers that do not receive the training.

4
Methodology

• This research study used both descriptive (or
  survey research) and action research.

5
Descriptive Research

• Teachers at two elementary schools will be given
  the Teacher Technology Expertise MSDE Survey
  2007-2008.
• Part One of the survey will use the interval
  level of measurement to find the mean that will
  lead to the standard deviation.
• Part Two of the survey will use simple tallying.
  That data will then be translated into a ratings
  scale.

6
Rating Scale
7

• Teachers at School A will indicate their skill
  level with computer technology by placing sticky
  notes on a continuum.
• This will help determine what level of training
  is needed.
• Teachers will be given an opportunity to request
  what they would like to learn about technology.

8

• Training will be provided for school A and not
  for School B.
• Lab usage logs will be used.
• Follow up interviews will be conducted with
  teachers who received training.

9
Action Research

• Month-to-month lab usage charts for the computer
  labs in each school will be compared to determine
  how often the computers are used during the
  school day.
• A line graph will illustrate lab usage
  throughout the school year. A double line graph
  will be used to compare lab usage in School A to
  School B.

10
Implications

• (Factors that could have an impact on the
  use of technology)
• Changes in curriculum technology including
• Updates, new platforms, software
  hardware
• The actual physical environment of the computer
  lab
• Too small, too noisy, outdated equipment,
  and maintenance issues
• Administrative support
• If the principal is on board,
  a project has a better
  chance of
• succeeding

11
Leelas Abstract

•  
• Just as our students are diverse, so
  are teachers. When training teachers, it is
  essential to use technology that it meets the
  specific needs of the teachers. Furthermore,
  teachers have various skills, and experiences,
  therefore the training should be provided to help
  at the current point they are in with technology.
  Workshops and in-services alone are not going to
  cut it. There should be more of an emphasis on
  helping teachers learn how to incorporate
  technology in their instruction and for student
  learning. Also, it is beneficial to recognize
  the different views and attitudes each generation
  of teachers have, in order to better prepare them
  with the use of technology.
• After all, the goal is to have teachers feel
  more comfortable
• with the integration of technology and not fear
  using it!

12
Marys Abstract

• It was thought that the introduction of
  the computer into the classroom would radically
  boost student achievement levels and dramatically
  improve test scores. Indeed, with the advent of
  the No Child Left Behind Act, it was hoped that
  placing computers in schools would also help to
  level the playing field between high and low
  socio-economic groups. Accordingly, millions of
  dollars, nationwide, have been spent on
  educational technology. But research studies are
  dashing the dreams of those who promoted computer
  technology as the panacea for schools. The
  largest study of all, just released on April 3rd,
  proclaimed, educational software has no
  significant impact on student performance (U.S.
  Department of Education, 2007).
• Why doesnt this compute?
• Is it human error?
• If educators institute effective technology
  training,
• can schools finally count on computers?

13
Shashis Abstract

• How has teacher computer training
• effected the extent of integration of computers
  in elementary school instruction?
• Lavelle, Liu and Theodore (2004) showed that
• teachers lack of experience with computers
  their confidence level in using them affected the
  successful integration of technology
• online instruction for teachers was important
• Christensen (1997) focused on
• the teachers perceptions of technology
• showing that positive teacher attitudes fostered
  positive attitudes in students
• Teresa D. Williams (2004) concluded that
• teachers exposed to technology increased their
  understanding use of databases
• a teachers age made a difference in how he/she
  directed high school students to use computers
• Bebell Russell (2004) studied the teacher,
  school, and district organizational
  characteristics associated with increased use of
  technology
• concluding that the school system influences the
  teachers use of technology
• Dwyer, Ringstaff Sandholtz (1995) illustrated
• the importance of a longitudinal approach to
  investigate innovation,
• stressing motivation of teachers by professional
  development to face the unfamiliar challenges
• Technology integration is still work in progress.
  More research is needed.

14
Summation

• The computer, relatively new teaching tool that
  it is, must be effectively harnessed by teachers
  to ensure that todays students are able to
  function in the world of tomorrow.

15

• The question, then, is how best to have teachers
  comfortably incorporate computers into their
  lessons, their assignments, and the lives of
  their students.

16

• References
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17
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20
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21
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23

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