New Directions in the Research of Technology-Enhanced Education

New Directions in the Research of Technology-Enhanced Education

Robert N. Ronau, Christopher R. Rakes, Margaret L. Niess, Lauren Wagener, David Pugalee, Christine Browning, Shannon O. Driskell, Susann M. Mathews
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 33
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-503-2.ch802
OnDemand:
(Individual Chapters)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of a systematic review of literature in which the authors examined instructional technology integration in career and technical education, mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science. Three lenses were used to examine the literature: a research design framework, a teacher knowledge framework (CFTK), and a technology integration framework (TPACK). The research design framework revealed a low percentage of papers that were actually research studies (41.2%), favoring qualitative design (70% of the 41.2%). Consequently, educators may have difficulty sifting through high proportions of non-research to find the most informative, up-to-date instructional technology research. Three CFTK aspects of teacher knowledge were addressed less than others in the research studies: Individual Context (16%), Subject Matter (33%), and Discernment (29%). Pedagogical Knowledge was addressed the most (65%). The TPACK developmental framework revealed an emphasis on the lowest three levels of instructional technology integration (60%), indicating a gap in the research at the upper two levels. Mathematics studies accounted for almost half of all research addressing TPACK developmental stages (47%). From these findings, the authors conclude that pedagogical knowledge alone is not enough to ensure high levels of technology integration and offer recommendations for improving the disjointed nature of research on instructional technology.
Chapter Preview
Top

Introduction

Teachers use instructional technology for online courses, video conferencing, electronic portfolios, and other exploratory projects. Literature reviews are important tools that teachers can use to evaluate instructional technology and develop strategies for its effective use. A systematic review of literature can make such evaluations far easier and more effective by synthesizing the results of the studies on a given topic using well-articulated methodological processes. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a systematic review of the impact of technology on teaching and learning and to propose a framework for looking at teacher knowledge from which gaps in the literature can be addressed. In this paper, the term “technology” refers to digital technology as opposed to other forms of instructional tools (e.g., overhead projectors, manipulatives).

Means, Wagner, Haertel, and Javitz (2003) identified two major issues regarding the use of technology for instruction: the pedagogical value of specific technology tools and the cumulative effects of technology exposure over time on student learning. In order to address these issues, educators need to assess specific sub-questions to gauge the effectiveness of technology as a teaching tool (e.g., What conditions foster learning with technology; what pedagogical strategies promote learning with technology; what teacher qualifications are related to content, technology, and implementation of pedagogical strategies; and to what internal and external classroom constraints must teachers attend when incorporating technology?). The complex nature of these questions requires multiple types of research and design.

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset