Technology as a Tool for Teaching Content

By Sharri Zachary, RME Mathematics Coordinator

Technology can assume many roles in education. It is often utilized as a resource, delivery system, or means of production (Yuan-Hsuan,Waxman, Jiun-Yu, Michko, & Lin, 2013). Previous research studies found that computer programs were particularly useful in instruction when they are purposeful in supporting the needs of all students, are factual, and provide students with new learning experiences. In addition, the research also revealed higher gains in academic performance when students were allowed to use computers in small groups rather than individually.

In a recent study by the authors for grades K-12, the effects of teaching and learning with technology on student cognitive outcomes and affective outcomes were revisited to inform current instructional practice. Outlined are some key things teachers can do to integrate technology in their instruction, such that there is improvement in student outcomes:

Cognitive

• Allow students to collaborate in pairs or small groups with technological devices 
• Develop instructional material that makes sense contextually 
• Incorporate project-based learning that allows students to bridge skills and subject matter

Affective

• Include challenging activities in your instructional materials 
• Ask higher-order questions 
• Work together with your students to produce a result via technological device 
• Emphasize collaboration in your teaching and their learning utilizing technology

Yuan-Hsuan, L., Waxman, H., Jiun-Yu Wu, Michko, G. & Lin, G. (2013). Revisit the effect of teaching and learning with technology. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 16(1), 133-n/a.