First Post!!

Summary of Research Project on Education Methods

First a little about myself.  I am a current full time student nearing the end of completion of my Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology Management at American Military University.  I have been in the workforce for nearly 38 years mainly in the military realm (retired) where I worked in the Advanced Electronics field to my current twelve-year role in a K-12 educational system Technology Department.  Being in that role is one of the main reason I chose to write my final project paper for a recent college course “Internet Concepts” on how Technology in the Classroom Results in Smarter Students.

Initially one would think that this type of topic would be easy and readily point out the benefits of using technology in any classroom.  To really get to the backbone and prove that theory though required that provable comparisons and statistics between traditional learning methods and technology enhanced learning methods.  One also has to take into account the disadvantages to each method.

For traditional learning, as an older student, I immediately thought of paper, pencil, chalkboard, and books as the only things to consider in traditional learning.  Looking further, I also learned I had to consider that all information in traditional learning typically comes from a single source on any given subject.  All information comes from one book, which typically contained limited or regional data, or all lectures are taught by one single teacher so the method of teaching never varies or takes into account students varying levels of understanding.  Lessons are geared towards a student being able to pass an assessment and there typically are no alternative learning methods available other than perhaps a tutor if one can afford one.

Incorporating technology brings the ability to open a huge realm of information.  Use of the internet allows almost instantaneous worldwide reach, collaboration possibilities through webcasts and video conference with other students around the globe, self-paced computer monitored lessons, which aid the teacher in getting the lessons across the varying levels of learning.  Teachers can record lessons and several presenters can explain the material allowing for ease of understanding.  Mobile devices allow the transport of many volumes of text without creating storage issues or increased costs, and digital texts or eBooks allow the rapid updating of textbooks at a much lower cost of printing and material usage.  Disadvantages to easy access include distractions if students are not monitored and allowed free access to the internet, or distractions by the technology itself when one is trying to generate a slide project for example and rather than concentrate on the content concentrate on the aesthetics.  Another is the possibility of security or personal information data breaches.  Costs are a concern, and while textbooks these days are in the several hundred-dollar range (and have increased 1,041% since 1977), in some cases technology costs can skyrocket into the thousands to outfit a single classroom.

After comparing statistics from recent studies, it becomes apparent however, that if planned and implemented correctly a technology enhanced education system not only improves the learning but also the retention of the learners.  Students who were given iPads for example achieved a 23% average higher score than their counterparts who did not have access to the tablets.  Continued studies of test scores show that the speed of learning also has grown with the introduction of technology and even in a non-testing application, it is almost general received that even very young children who have not yet reached school age have a great understanding and learn quickly by using technology even before they can read.  In closing, while the costs are high, technology does create smarter students and at a more rapid pace than traditional learning.