Article Reviews- Technology in the Instructional Process

Emma Stephens
Theory- Into- Practice Article- deal with the practical implications of
theories
CitationUnion, C., Union, L., & Green, T. (2015). The use of ereaders in the
classroom and at home to help third-grade students improve their
reading and english/
language arts standardized test scores.
Techtrends: Linking Research &
Practice To Improve Learning,
59(5), 71-84.
Identification- Research Article
SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate and discovers the effects
of portable technology tools on student performance, specifically on
the use of Nook Simple Touch eReaders and how they affect English
Language Arts performance. The researchers focused on 25 third
grade elementary students and utilized their 2012 OAS scores and
then their end of year CRCT scores as primary data sources. The
researchers compared the students results and performance with 3rd
grade classes that were not using the eReaders. For the study each of
the 30 students were given a Nook Simple Touch eReader and various
eBooks to complete ELA lessons and assignment that were centered on
Common Core Standards. In the end, the researchers simply wanted to
discover if these eReaders improved student performance. They found
that those students who utilized the eReaders had increased reading
performance, however they could not conclude that the eReaders lead
to higher performance in their ELA classes.
CritiqueWhen I initially read the abstract for this article I was immediately
attracted to the research and I was expecting the results to be
extremely positive as far as student performance. I thought that the
chosen age of the students, as well as the methods of comparison
between classes with and without the eReaders would lead to a
positive result. I think in the end, this research and article was
somewhat useful. It concluded that when students have access to
eReaders, their reading performance increases. While that is a positive
result, I found it to be somewhat obvious but still useful. I think one
problem that this paper had was that the test group was too small. The
researchers only focused on one class. These 25 students had the
same teacher at the same school and the same circumstances. I wish
that the researchers had expanded the test subjects to three 3rd grade

classes from 3 difference elementary schools. This would have made

the conclusions more concrete and the results wouldnt have been
affected by the students context or circumstance. This research did
apply to me personally because I work in a middle school media center
and we are in the process of considering eReaders for our students.

CitationMller, K. J. (2015). Apps in literature-based classroom instruction:

integrating reading and response through traditional and digital media.
Journal Of Children's Literature, 41(1), 54-60.
Identification- Professional Practice Article
SummaryThe focus of this article was an Elementary school classroom teacher
named Lisa. Lisa demonstrated and implemented technology centered
instruction into the planning and execution of her instruction. One way
that she accomplishes this is through utilizing online applications that
are meant to increase student reading, reading comprehension and
overall literacy. The author reviews the various applications and
discusses the different aspects, user friendliness, accessibility, etc.
Lisas desire to blend the tactile feel of books with the opportunities of
technology is discussed. Lisas overall goal is a blend of traditional text
with technology advancements that open up opportunities at home.
The author discusses how the applications could be utilized, shared
with and encouraged by parents at home. The important role that
classroom discussion plays in comprehending literature was another
focus of the article.
CritiqueThis article was very well written and I was attracted to it because of
the Professional Practice nature of it. I trusted Lisas experience and
opinions on these apps because she is a classroom teacher. This article
applied to me because I strongly connected with Lisa and her desire to
blend technology and traditional text in the classroom. I believe that
there is nothing more beneficial to a student then putting a book in
their hand. I think that the technological advancements in education
have opened up students to an infinite amount of information, opinions
and experiences. However, I think that we will fail students if we forget
to instill in them a desire, understanding and appreciation for the
written word and taking time away from a screen. Overall, the only
thing I felt this article lacked was more information. I ended my review
wanting to know more about Lisas classroom, school, type of student,
etc. It was also never clarified if the students were using these apps on

their personal electronic devices, a set of school iPads or computers

and this information would have been helpful to compare with the use
of applications at my school.

CitationCicconi, M. (2014). Vygotsky Meets Technology: A reinvention of

collaboration in the early childhood mathematics classroom. Early
Childhood Education
Journal, 42(1), 57-65. doi:10.1007/s10643-0130582-9
Identification- Theory into Practice
SummaryThe focus of this article is on Vgoyskys theory of the more
knowledgeable other and how the technological revolution has
absolutely renovated it, particularly in the early childhood math
classroom. Vygotskys theory is centered on the principle that people
need to learn from person that is more knowledgeable then them. Prior
to the shift that the article focuses on, this would have been the
teacher. However, now that technology has become and integral part
of education, the more knowledgeable other can take a variety of
forms in the classroom setting. The author focuses on three new MKOs
article with the first being a computer program, the second being a
peer in the classroom and the third being a student across the world. A
significant amount of focus of the article was lent to the importance of
collaboration and social interaction within the classroom. The author
discussed different computer programs that could be utilized in the
classrooms to communicate with other students and educators around
the world.
CritiqueI found this article to be very encouraging. I wasnt initially going to
review it because I struggled with math my entire academic career, but
one of the things I enjoyed most about this article is that you could
apply most of these principles and findings to any class within any
level of school. The focus was not on math classes. I enjoyed reading
and researching more on Vygotskys theory and learning how the
updates have shifted educational theories. I appreciated the authors
focus on suggesting, reviewing and commenting on various programs

that could work to increase global collaboration. My very favorite

aspect of the articles was the empowerment of students. It is discussed
and concluded that the MKO shift will lead to students taking on that
role and leaders and facilitators. As an educator, I think that one of the
most encouraging things to witness is when students feel empowered
to lead and take the initiative to do so.