Technology in the Classroom

Running Head: Technology in the Classroom

The Impact of Technology on Academic Achievement on Financially Disadvantaged Students
Jerusha Schoff
Oklahoma State University











Technology in the Classroom



Technology can play an exponential role in todays classroom and education institutions. There
are many variables that can determine the effectiveness of this implementation within schools.
Examples of these variables could be, teacher knowledge and training, lesson effectiveness,
appropriate use of technology and availability. Availability is a factor that is very difficult to
control outside of the schools walls. These concerns are even more evident in a school serving
financially impoverished students. According to Judge (2005), research has shown there is a
difference in the access to technology in schools serving several minority groups and low
socioeconomic students. Judge (2005) hypothesized there was a correlation of achievement and
access to technology within African American children. Specifically, children in there early
childhood school years.
This was gathered from a Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99.
The research followed a multistage probability sample design comprised of skill assessments,
parent, teacher, and administrators surveys (Judge, 2005). The schools used in this study were
grouped by their percentage of enrollment that qualifies for free or reduced-priced lunches.
Schools are classified by their concentration of low-income children. Concentration of low-
income children is based on the percent of the total enrollment that is eligible for free or reduced-
priced lunches. A school is considered higher poverty if 50 percent or more of total enrollment
qualifies for free or reduced lunches. Lower poverty is labeled if less than 50 percent of
enrollment qualifies for free or reduced lunches. The sample used for this study, 64.8 percent
were enrolled in higher poverty schools and 35.2 were enrolled in lower poverty schools. This
Technology in the Classroom



sample included only 51.6 percent living at or above poverty. Many were also living in single-
parent homes (65%) in urban areas (Judge, 2005).
Students were assessed on their reading and math skills. Students achievement was represent by
the childs Item Response Theory (high reliability .92 and .95). To gather information regarding
studentss technology availability and use, parent interviews were performed, as well as, Likert
scale for parents, teachers and administrators. This was used to gauge the technology that was
available in different aspects of students lives and adequacy of equipment (Judge, 2005).
The research exhibited that computers were available to the children as many opportunities in
their school day. Over 60 percent of teacher had received some educational technology training.
On the other hand, only 28.5 of this same sample, had access to a computer and only 2.9 had
internet access (Judge, 2005).
Although their were limitations in the research design, the research suggests that their was a
correlation between student achievement and their access to a computer and internet in their
homes. Higher achievers in both reading and math not only had access at school, but also
consistently in their homes (Judge, 2005).
I agree with the suggestions of this journal article. In my personal experience, I believe there is a
direct connection to availability of current technology and student achievement. I imagine if this
same research design was completed today the results would be just as astounding, if not more.
Poverty has not changed, but there has been vast growth in technology in the past decade, or
even the past five years. I believe this research topic is pivotal in aiding in the development of
assistance that allows all children the same education, which is at minimum, their right.
Technology in the Classroom




References

Judge, S. (2005). The impact of computer technology on academic achievement of young african
american children. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 20(2), 91-101. Retrieved
from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203889765?accountid=4117; http://
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Technology in the Classroom