Article Critique Form Denise Hopper ED 500
Directions: Read an empirical research
article from the list in Blackboard about technology and education. Critique
the article by answering the questions below. Make sure you read all of the
assignment directions before beginning. Answer each question in your blog post
for the week indicated. Be sure to type and number the question and then type
your answer below it.
Type your response below each
section.
1.
Provide
the complete article title and author
Bebell, D., & Kay, R.
(2010). One-to-one computing: A summary of the quantitative results from the
berkshire wireless learning initiative. The Journal of Technology, Learning,
and Assessment, 9(2), 59.
2. State the intended audience. (What
is empirical research and how does it help the classroom?)
The
empirical research article demonstrates the educational effects of the
Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative (BWLI), which provided one-to-one
technology access to students and teachers in five public and private Massachusetts
middle schools. When laptops, wireless Internet networks, and other technology
such as DLP/LCD projectors were used in classrooms, and teachers were provided
with support and training on integrating the technology into the curriculum,
education improved.
3. What is/are the research
question/questions or hypothesis/hypotheses?
Will the one-to-one laptop initiative
transform education in a traditional middle school setting? Will BWLI enhance
student achievement, improve student engagement, improve classroom management,
enhance students’ capabilities to conduct independent research and collaborate
with their peers, and create fundamental changes in teaching strategies and
curriculum delivery?
4. Describe the subject (participants)
and the procedures (methods) used by the researcher(s)?
The
researchers used a pre/post with comparison group design to determine the
impact technology had on the five schools in three years. They also compared
two neighboring middle schools with similar demographics. Teacher and student surveys were used as
well as student drawings, classroom observations, teacher interviews, and
principal Interviews.
5.
What
were the conclusions of the researchers? Do you agree or disagree with the
conclusions? Support your position.
Implementation
and outcomes at the schools varied. Changes in teacher practices, student
achievement, student engagement, and students’ research skills were evident at
all schools. The article states, “Not
every teacher was willing or interested to experience a “radical shift” in
their pedagogy and practices as the majority of their students seemed to be.”
(Bebell & Kay, 2010) I agree that students will likely be more open to
using technology in school since much of their world is already centered on
technology with social networking via Facebook and Twitter for example.
Teachers control the use of technology in the classroom, so they essentially
determine the success or failure of technology use in education. The article
indicates that teachers are required to “make massive investments in time and
effort to adapt their teaching materials and practices to make the 1:1
environment effective and relevant”. (Bebell & Kay, 2010) Teachers were
provided with professional development and support, but it is the everyday
planning and implementation that proves overwhelming. A great deal of support
is needed to assist teachers with the daily integration of technology in the
curriculum. Several staff developments and weekly support should be available.
An idea for staff development would be to form teams (i.e. math department,
science department, etc.) who work together developing lesson units and daily
lesson plans. A list of approved sites for students to visit should also be
distributed. Teachers should be afforded the time to visit the sites and
determine which ones fit best in their corresponding lessons.
6. What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?
The article mentions that teachers experienced problems when LCD projectors were not readily available. There was also a lack of printers. Further research could focus on how education is transformed by 1:1 computing when technology resources are readily available and equity issues are prevented or at least quickly resolved.
6. What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?
The article mentions that teachers experienced problems when LCD projectors were not readily available. There was also a lack of printers. Further research could focus on how education is transformed by 1:1 computing when technology resources are readily available and equity issues are prevented or at least quickly resolved.
Check out this video about one-to-one computing. There are several sites mentioned that seem helpful for students.
Hopefully soon 1:1 computing will be possible in all schools! #ED5059413UWA
— Denise (@hopper1123) June 17, 2013
