Running Head: EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Journal Article Critique: Effect on Academic Performance with the use of Technology in the Classroom Kathleen Cox, February 8, 2014, EDU 364 01 Molloy College

EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Abstract There is a great deal of controversy over the use of technology, especially within a classroom. A peer reviewed journal article, Beyond Computer Literary: Technology integration and curriculum transformation, reported on a conducted research that shows how beneficial it is to integrate technology into the average classroom curriculum. With the technology that individuals are surrounded with today, it is simply incredible and can only be used to enhance the curriculum and information that is being taught to students.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Effects of Technology Integrated with Curriculum to Enhance Academic Performance The amount of technology that exists in the world today is simply amazing. Technology is used in nearly all parts of our lives; from computers, tablets, iPads, smartphones, and media devices individuals are constantly using technology. There has been talk of using technology in the classroom alongside the average curriculum, with the intentions of improving student academic performance as well as evening out or reducing the achievement gap by providing students with quality instruction and materials in areas that are educationally at a disadvantaged. A study was conducted at Kuwait University in which one is able to see the positive impact that incorporating technology to the traditional style of teaching has on students and their academic performance. The world of technology is never ending; new ideas and forms of technology are being brought to light every single day. In a field such as education, in which educators are teaching and passing down information to the youngest members of society, it is important to keep updated with the world and technology surrounding us. The article describes ones assumption on the use of technology being integrated with everyday traditional face to face teaching methods as a definite increase in students learning abilities and academic performance. In order to prove their argument was valid a survey/study was conducted at Kuwait University. The study used a sample of 128 female undergraduate students from all different majors; these students were divided into two groups: a control group in which the students were being taught in a traditional manner and an experimental group in which these students were being taught in a blended model with technology incorporated in three different sections. After the data was properly collected, the article displayed different charts of information with statistic to prove that the students that

EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

were educated in the blended setting had higher achievements and their grades were relatively better than those students who were only taught in a traditional setting. After reading the article and viewing the evidence, it is apparent that technology is most certainly beneficial in the classroom. Using technology in the classroom can be used as a tool to help each and every student, as well as try and reduce the gap in areas where students are at an academic disadvantage. The increasing scores and improvement on standardized tests is factual proof that the students are benefiting from technology, understanding and retaining the information that can be asked on testing. Technology is all around, and it is beneficial for educators to bring the world of technology into their classroom. Technology has changed our world, in all areas at home, at work, etc. Integrating the use of technology with the traditional curriculum and style of teaching can only be valuable for students, teachers, and parents. By blending the traditional style of teaching with technology, it can improve communication in all aspects, reduce the gap in academic disadvantage, as well as improve academic performance.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

References SAFAR, A., & ALKHEZZI, F. (2013). BEYOND COMPUTER LITERACY: TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION. College Student Journal, 47(4), 614-626.