Reflective Blog #2 - Using technology in elementary education

Kemker, K., Barron, A., Harmes, J.C. (2007) Laptop computers in the elementary classroom: authentic instruction with at-risk students. Educational Media International 44(4), December 2007,  305–321. Retrieved from EBSCO Host Academic Search. DOI # 10.1080/09523980701680888.

Kate Kemker, from the Florida Department of Education, Ann E. Barron, from the University of South Florida and J. Christine Harmes, from James Madison University conducted a case study of an investigation of integrating the use of laptop computers into an elementary classroom in a low socio-economic school (SES). "The research examined classroom management techniques and aspects of authentic learning relative to the student projects and activities." This study was conducted for a two year period. The classroom that was studied was a fourth grade classroom that looped to fifth grade and contained twenty six students. The classroom was provided with enough laptops for each student, digital cameras and other types of media to support the curriculum in place. The teacher created lessons that worked with the technology as a tool instead of just teaching the students how to use certain software on the computer. The teacher used higher order thinking questions and activities to connect the lesson with real world examples and experiences. The researchers monitored the progress of the study by having the teacher keep a journal of how the integration was progressing. They also interviewed the students and videotaped the sessions for analysis. What the researchers and the teacher found was that the students utilized the laptops as a tool for the lesson, such as they would a pencil, instead of focusing on the lesson as being the laptop. For example, the students conducted an experiment, then used the computer and spreadsheet to chart their results. The lesson was about charting the results and making predictions and not about how to use the spreadsheet. The researchers were able to come to some conclusions about the value of using laptops in the classroom. Classroom management was easier as there were not as many discipline or attendance problems. The journal contains a few data charts on results of the use of technology. It also discusses rewarding and challenging themes from the research.