EdTech Research

For my EdTech Research assignment I chose to research computers in the classroom. I want to incorporate computers in my classes and make my class web-based for the most part. I believe that doing so will increase the motivation levels of my students and make them acquire and use higher-level thinking skills. After conducting research on the use of computers and technology in the classroom I found that many have had success and those that did not simply had to use the technology in a different way. The use of computers in the classroom for Common Core seems like a natural fit, given the increased emphasis on reading comprehension and higher order thinking skills. Computers can also greatly assist those students with learning disabilities to understand what they are reading. The most beneficial aspect of computers in the classroom for me would be the time factor. I want my students to get the most out of any of the time they have for learning. In this respect, the use of Google tools to facilitate learning between teachers, students, and their peers is invaluable. I found through research that collaboration can be a great tool if it is emphasized and students are given a clear focus. As an educator with an emphasis on educational technology, I wish to use these tools to full potential but I must first address the lack of computers in my classroom with my administration. Studies and statistics from the research I conducted can serve as support for this endeavor.

This assignment was very beneficial in that I was introduced to multiple sources for research in Google Scholar and Albertsons Library. I had worked with Purdue Owl and Citation Machine in the past so I wasn't totally unfamiliar with those helpful sites. I thought Albertsons Library was a great source of information and will definitely be utilizing it in future research. Learning about doi was a first for me but I saw how it would be beneficial in citations. Overall, this was a very enlightening assignment which provided me with new knowledge and skills to build upon.

Freeman EdTech Research