Week 2 Reflection Assignment for EDLD 5364

The information covered this week focused on the goals and objectives in learning along with strategies that clearly impact student learning. Accountability for student learning continues to be at the forefront in education. The importance and recognition of student engagement and motivation along with achievement can be gained through the use of technology. “Children in technology-enriched classrooms appear to score higher on standardized tests in mathematics to take control of their own learning environment, to work well in cooperative groups to accomplish a common task and to place worth in their ability to be productive students and citizens” (Page 2002). I feel like many have overlooked the power of technology in math, including myself. This week gave me the opportunity to reflect on this and has had a powerful impact on how I look at using technology for mathematics. Technology is a major factor in today’s schools. I thought Page did a great job explaining how technology integration improved student attitude and self-concept. Technology gives students opportunities for collaboration and interaction with their peers. More group projects with students using individual strengths allow each member to grow and learn. Technology in education is best served when it reaches out to a diverse range of students. The readings and videos this week focused on how we can use different technologies to have a positive impact on that diverse student population. I also gained information about how technology can improve self-esteem. The Schacter (1999) article made the point in saying, “students’ attitudes toward learning and their own self-concept improved consistently when computers were used for instruction.” Before reading this statement I had never considered how the role of technology in improving student self-concept and attitude.

Technological advances have given educators many powerful resources. As educations we have the opportunity and power to use these tools. These tools should be especially considered to have major implications when working with students with disabilities. More students with disabilities are being served in the regular education classroom. These students along with other at-risk students, including low income will benefit tremendously from a technology rich classroom environment.



Page, M. S. (2002). Technology-Enriched Classrooms: Effects on Students of Low Socioeconomic Status. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34 (4), 389-409. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from the International Society of Education at http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Number_4_Summer=/MembersOnly.cfm&ContentFileID=830

Schacter, J. (1999).The impact of education technology on student achievement: What the most current research has to say. Santa Monica, CA: Milken Exchange on Education Technology. Retrieved on October 5, 2009, from http://www.mff.org/pubs/ME161.pdf.