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The Impact of Technology
in Education
A Synthesis Paper on Technology in Education
Lora Evanouski
Educational Technology 501
Professor Pollard
May 6, 2009

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Abstract
As we consider technology in education, we must consider the implications of that technology
on the learner and as well as the teacher. What role does technology have for these two
intertwined groups of people? I will show a correlation between the positive effects on both
the student and teacher related to academic performance, meaningful learning, and those
afflicted with learning disabilities. Furthermore, I will also show the positive effects on the
applications of technologies in the classroom. Combining education and technology creates a
more stimulating learning environment. In order to accomplish higher order thinking skills such
as critical and independent thinking, the application of technology and improved motivation
and attitudes, technology must be integrated into the everyday curriculum. This paper
describes some impacts of technology on education through the experiences of teachers and
students.

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Introduction
Technological advances in education have been many over the last 50 years. As we look
back just 20 years ago, computers were not common place inside the classroom let alone in the
household. Imagine what students thought about using a word processor versus electric
typewriter word processors or even using the archaic manual typewriter. In contrast, today’s
students and children are considered “digital natives”. According to Wikipedia, digital natives
are described as having grown up with digital technology such as the internet, computers, cell
phones and MP3 players. Having a computer in every household as well as every school has
exponentially increased student’s awareness of technology and also broadened their horizons
about the global economy. Students today use cell phones that can do almost anything
imaginable such as getting real time updates on their bank accounts, download information off
the internet, watch TV or even make a movie! Imagine going through our everyday life without
the aid of a computer, it could be exhilarating and yet also cumbersome to juggle daily duties.
Today technology reaches well beyond the classroom to serve the needs of learners
with disabilities, rural inaccessibility or being home schooled have more options open to them
to learn and investigate. Through internet connection students and teachers have a portal and
connection to every part of the world. Computers can open pathways that stimulate learning
and help develop high order thinking skills, when technology is applied in a meaningful manner.
Histories of technological developments have often shown links between innovations in
industry and communications with improvements in educational methods. The proliferation
and success of web based curriculum at all levels of education is just the latest example of the
importance of technology to both students and teachers. The greater the reach of educational

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programs to a growing population of students via the internet continues to challenge
educators, not only by adapting the latest technological enhancements in the traditional
classroom to “distance learners”, but also to discover additional ways for improving those
students’ educational experience overall. The computers unique ability to offer lessons in
multimedia formats, and to provide a means for real time student/teacher dialogue and
exchange already enriches online instruction, but may only be the tip of the iceberg that
emerging technologies will bring to the delivery of quality education in the new century.
Positive Effects on Academic Performance
Academic performance is one of the traditional standards used to measure success or
lack of success in our schools. Since the passage of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 all schools
are required to close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those that are
disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency (Education, 2004). In order for classrooms to
achieve or be successful technology must be in place to improve academics. According to Kulik,
computer simulations and Instructional Learning Systems (ILS) are effective only when they are
integrated into the “regular classroom instruction” (Blomeyer, 2005). Taking it one step
further, students whose teachers were high level users of technology scored significantly better
than did the students whose teachers were low level users of technology in the classroom.
Teachers who are high level users were differentiated from teachers who were low level
users in terms of frequency and extent of use of computers with students, instructional
methods used with technology, attitude toward the value of technology for learning,

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variety of uses of technology, and perception of influence of technology on student
learning and behavior (Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005).
Finally, interactive computer programs help students increase literacy rates. This
“intelligent software” is particularly evident in the success and drastic improvement in
mathematical skills used in Pittsburgh. An algebra curriculum focusing on mathematical
analysis of real-world situations and the use of computational tools is supported by an
intelligent software program as part of the regular curriculum for 9th
grade algebra. On
average, the 470 students in the experimental classes outperformed students in comparison by
15% on standardized tests and 100% on tests targeting the curriculum-focused objectives
(Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005).
Positive Effects on Meaningful Learning
According to Ausubel, “meaningful learning occurs when there is personal recognition of the
links between concepts; better understanding of concepts will result from proper negotiations of
meanings across links that are created with relevant prior knowledge” (Keengwe, 2008). These complex
ideas and information are combined with students’ own experiences and prior knowledge to form
personal and unique understandings. Learning is meaningful when the student comprehends the
relationship of what is being learned to other knowledge (Wikibooks, 2008). The environments in which
students learn and the ways in which people work and live are constantly being transformed by existing
and emerging technologies; hence computer technology needs to be integrated into the everyday
school environment. An important finding shows technology improves performance, positive
attitudes and motivation and creates meaningful learning when the students find the games
meaningful to their lives, learning and learning about learning takes place (Center for Applied

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Research in Educational Technology, 2005). Eighth graders performed significantly better on
NAEP mathematics tests, when computer technology was employed for real-world simulations
and applications purposes, as opposed to ‘drill-and-practice’ purposes. (Center for Applied
Research in Educational Technology, 2005)
In addition to performing better on standardized tests, interactive video programs have
been demonstrated to increase problem-solving skills as evidenced by students across nine
states that used Jasper video software (Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology,
2005). The video software was a centerpiece for mathematics instruction for 3 to 4 weeks were
compared with students who did not. The comparative research demonstrated that students in
classrooms that used the Jasper video programs were better at complex problem solving
(Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005).
As teachers progress in this ever changing and dynamic environment of technology,
those who have the capacity and knowledge to successfully teach on line or e-learning need to
be able to transmit knowledge and culture to those that are being taught. Accepting these
challenges is great as some teachers are unwilling or even scared of the newest technology to
be used in the 21st
century. For example, by getting a computer and software and setting it up
in the classroom will not teach the students, just because it is in the same room does not
translate into meaningful learning. Furthermore, integration of technology into instruction
depends greatly on key factors such as the contexts in which teachers interact, their beliefs,
and their attitudes toward teaching and learning (Keengwe, 2008). Student centered learning
is defined by INTIME as “students are active participants in their learning; they learn at their

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own pace and use their own strategies; they are more intrinsically than extrinsically motivated;
learning is more individualized than standardized” (INTIME, 2001). As teachers move towards
student centered learning, faculty must become facilitators and collaborators, and instruction
must move from memorization to problem solving. Therefore, to effectively teach with
technology, teachers must shift their instructional practices from a teacher-centered approach
to a more student-centered learning or constructivist approach. (Keengwe, 2008).
Furthermore, true education reform should focus on developing teaching strategies that
complement technology use within the curriculum. Teachers need to integrate computer skills
into the content areas and recognize that computers are not ends in themselves (Keengwe,
2008). The eMINTS program, enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching
Strategies, is an invaluable program that provides 200 hours of professional development,
which includes coaching and technical support for teachers as they use multimedia tools to
promote critical thinking and problem-solving techniques (Education, 2004). By following the
eMINTS program, those scared and unwilling teachers will become better informed and more
willing to accept and integrate technology into their classrooms.
Positive Effects on Learning Disabilities
Assistive technology can help students who have mental retardation along with
students who are low performers, at-risk students or have any other learning disability. For
example, expert tutoring software presents instruction in small, sequential steps, at varying
levels of difficulty, and students can use the software independently, working at their own
pace. Most critical for the effectiveness of the software with low performing, at-risk, or
learning handicapped students, however, is the capacity of the software to analyze

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performance and give feedback to teachers and students (Center for Applied Research in
Educational Technology, 2005). Advances in technology have created new ways to help people
with disabilities especially those with mental retardation to overcome their limitations and
learn academic, social, and vocational and survival skills necessary to function independently in
society. According to the US Census Bureau approximately 18.7% of the 2005 US population
reported some level of disability while 12% reported a severe disability (English, 2008). By
continually assessing the students’ individual performance the computer assisted programs can
be adjusted to the difficulty in task and also experience level of the student. The technological
tools that provide frequent student feedback motivate learning disabled students to remain
cognitively engaged, particularly when corrective feedback is immediately provided (Center for
Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005).
Furthermore, at-risk students from low socioeconomic and/or minority backgrounds will
improve their educational opportunities from using on line technology in the classroom. In a
Louisiana study, success was demonstrated with low income, at-risk students by using two
different teaching styles, a teacher who was not a certified mathematics teacher and the on
line teacher who was a certified mathematics teacher (Blomeyer, 2005). The study goes on to
say that achievement gains were more evident by using small groups of students in class and
frequent collaboration between the onsite teacher and the on line teacher. In contrast, the
students from a traditional classroom showed the same or little achievement gain (Blomeyer,
2005).
Computer-based technology (CBT) can open doors to physically challenged learners that
might not otherwise be available to them. It allows for student-centered learning and

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collaboration, individualized learning programs and more student independence. In a study in
New South Wales Australia, of basic reading and mathematics skills they found CBT to be an
effective tool in teaching; however, they also found that teachers were much more willing to
incorporate CBT into their teaching than teachers of “non-special” students (Center for Applied
Research in Educational Technology, 2005).
Applications of Technology
Presently, classroom learning is increasingly dependent on the integration of technology
thus enhancing learning. The current technology uses email systems, data processing and
laptop audio/videos webinars. As we go into the 21st
century we as educators need to define
what role the computer will play in the students learning.
Students can learn “from” computers-where technology used is essentially as tutors and
serves to increase students basic skills and knowledge; and can learn “with” computers-
where technology is used a tool that can be applied to a variety of goals in the learning
process and can serve as a resource to help higher order thinking, creativity and
research skills (Associates, 2005).
For example productivity tools such as databases, spreadsheets, computer-assisted design,
graphics programs, and multimedia authoring programs (programs for creating computer-based
presentations or lessons) allow students to independently organize, analyze, interpret, develop,
and evaluate their own work (Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005).
In addition to fostering independent thinking, these technological processes will also
help students join the workforce with greater abilities. By using technology with real-life links

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to education and the workforce, technology is used to meet real world demands in careers such
as finance, hospitals, sales, and manufacturing. A report on the state of technology integration
in Minnesota documents that information technologies bring the world into the classroom by
allowing students to interact with other students in their community, state, nation and world.
Information technologies have the potential for being a constant and convenient electronic
connector that can join the lives and minds of students, teachers, employers and parents
(Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005). Not only will the students and
teachers of the 21st
century need to have technological skills to navigate through the school
system but also for the global economy. In this age of information both groups need to acquire
the skills to collaborate and participate to meet the real world needs facing us as a global nation
of interconnected economies. For example the technological tools allow students to
inexpensively and instantly reach around the world, learning directly about other cultures
(Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, 2005). By choosing this technological
medium up-to-date real time news and events can be acquired instantly. A grand example of
homegrown ingenuity is you tube and it has many different venues- entertainment, learning,
how to segments and even commercialization of products. You tube can be seen by anyone
with a computer and a modem.
Conclusions
Today the rapid advances in technology are reshaping our society, social institutions and
schools. Modern technologies have vastly increased our capacity to know and do things and to
communicate and collaborate with others. They allow us to transmit information quickly and
widely, linking distant places and diverse areas of endeavor in productive new ways. These

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advances allow us to form and sustain communities for work, play and learning in ways
unimaginable just a decade ago. The students of today have a wide range of new technology
open and available to them. This information changes the relationship between people and
knowledge.
As you can see when technology is applied to learner’s lives a positive outcome arises. By
adapting technology for education teachers, students and parents alike will see positive
improvements in many different categories such as:
academic performance
motivation
critical thinking skills
Literacy
attitudes
real life work skills
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a federal law to improve education for all children. It
also holds schools responsible for results, gives parents greater choices, and promotes teaching
methods that work. In accordance with that law technology will enhance education in all areas.
The technology that we use in our everyday curriculum, whether it is computers, iphones,
webcasting or any other type of mobile technology, will only lead to enhancing our educational
system in the 21st
century.
Recommendations
As schools in the state and local areas become more and more technology focused in the
education of their students, a clear and concise plan of what software is to be used needs to be
in place to monitor what types of assessments they are using as well as content standards.
Technology will enhance and stimulate learning, but studies indicate more research is needed.

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Only one metric; ESPRI, currently exists to measure student success with online education
(Blomeyer, 2005). This appears to be promising but more research based practices need to be
in place to effectively show a positive correlation. In addition to basic learning research, there is
a strong consensus that Level II and III research has not kept pace, and that is where the most
immediate need for research is to be found (Fouts, 2000). For example, critical thinking skills
are improved by online learning but yet very difficult to quantify in an assessment.
As technology changes and shifts to meet the demands of education so does the software.
According to Fouts, some very interesting questions are raised on how to implement and be
successful in using dynamic new software technologies in education (Fouts, 2000):
Does the software meet the demands of specific groups of students such as at-risk or
appropriate age groups?
Does the technology enhanced instruction provide the types of learning measured by
the NAEP and TIMSS assessments?
Does the technology enhanced instruction effect student performance on the NAEP and
TIMSS assessments?
Finally, teachers need to be trained in a more organized fashion. What exactly would be
the most effective means to train the teachers of tomorrow? For our students to be successful
we as educators need to be successfully trained in technology and its uses such as software
applications, how to facilitate technology into the curriculum and so on. By cultivating extensive
teacher development and through administrative support and funding, technology will be even
more successful in the classroom which translates into more effective learning from the
students.

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References
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What_is_meaningful_learning.3F

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1) Introduction- Overview of components of paper
2) Body
i) Positive effects on academic performance
(a) Students
(b) Teachers
ii) Positive effects on meaningful learning
(a) Students
(b) Teachers
iii)Positive effects on learning disabilities
(a) Students
(b) Teachers
iv)Applications of Technology
(a) Students
(b) Teachers
2) Conclusion- review contents of paper