rethinking...

Rethinking the Technology Integration Challenge: Cases from Three Urban Elementary Schools : 

Rethinking the Technology Integration Challenge: Cases from Three Urban Elementary Schools Critique #1 V. Lynne Dubay May 16, 2008 AEET/EDET 780

Purpose : 

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the ways in which three urban elementary schools, in partnership with a local university used a similar array of material and human resources to improve their integration of technology. D. J. Himes, Marleen Pugach and Amy Staples conducted case studies of three urban elementary schools to document the integration of technology. Each school was given identical resources from a grant.

Methods : 

Methods Qualitative research methods were used. Field notes and logs from participate observers Interviews with school personnel Timeline and chronicle of technology A compilation of technology portfolio

Findings : 

Findings All three schools incorporated a technology integration through scaffolding. The schools were lead by the principals then instructional technologist, then teachers. All levels embraced technology integration. All schools continued the programs after the three grant by finding other money.

Implications : 

Implications For technology integration to be successful every one involved must embrace it. The principal is essential in leading the school, but the teachers are the most important factor in making it successful. Professional development to prepare the teaching staff is crucial. Students as well as parents and community should be involved.

Follow-Up Research : 

Follow-Up Research Follow up study - there could be a longitudinal study done in three more years Follow up study –a mixed methods research study using quantitive test data to add to the qualitative research

Strengths – Research Questions : 

Strengths – Research Questions How do schools use fiscal and human resources to support technology use? How does the existing culture or ecosystem of the school impact technology integration? What factors mediate decisions regarding technology integration in schools?

Strengths – Literature Review : 

Strengths – Literature Review Research is current and from peer review sources Well organized from a wide variety of sources Complete citations so sources can be located

Strength - Readability : 

Strength - Readability Researchers were detailed in writing, it was clear and concise with ease of readability. Results were presented in case studies. Accessible to Wide Target audience

Strength – Applicable Research : 

Strength – Applicable Research This is an very applicable study in research on the effect of technology on student achievement. It is current and valid.

Weaknesses - Limitations : 

Weaknesses - Limitations The researchers did not mention any limitations. In all studies there are limitations and they should be mentioned to give validity to the research.

Weaknesses - Theory : 

Weaknesses - Theory The study did not state any theories – explicit or implicit. No theories were mentioned in the introduction or conclusion.

Weaknesses – Sample Selection : 

Weaknesses – Sample Selection The study did not state how the schools were selected. Selection process should have been outlined. These could be schools were family members or friends work.

Weaknesses - Samples : 

Weaknesses - Samples The sample seemed to be a sample of convenience. All three schools were located in close proximity of the University of the professors

Conclusion : 

Conclusion I found the case study very valuable. I also found that when you read a study you take it at face value until you start critiquing it. By observing strengths and weaknesses in some one’s work, hopefully it will make my writing and research better.

Usable Reference : 

Usable Reference The flood of technology purchases in the 1990s created a different context and opportunity for learning. The task for schools became that of determining how technology and curriculum would operate to improve student achievement. Administrators, teachers, and researchers alike were excited but concerned about the possibilities and power of technology with the underlying question of whether technology was truly needed or beneficial. Studies began to be conducted that examined the effectiveness of technology use (Staples et al., 2005).

Citation : 

Citation Staples, A., Pugach, M., & Himes, D. (2005, Spring). Rethinking the technology integration challenge: Cases from three urban elementary schools. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 37(3), 285-311. Retrieved May 15, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.