strengthening credible evidence to nurture a national research agenda for technology in education...
TRANSCRIPT
Strengthening Credible Evidence to Nurture a National Research Agenda for
Technology in Education
PT3 Catalyst Leadership Retreat IIWashington D.C., USA
Sept. 19, 2003
Gerald Knezek
Professor of Technology & Cognition
University of North Texas
Some Perspectives• Lederman (2003) What works: A commentary on the nature
of scientific research– “…it is clear that those chanting the ‘what works’ mantra are as confused as the general
public and K-12 students about the meaning of scientific research.” (p. 4)• Kemeny (1959) A Philosopher Looks at Science
– Three major stages of scientific method:• Theory formation• Deduction of consequences• Verification of predictions (p. 247)
– “The most characteristic feature of science is its method” • Fulton et. Al (1995) Teachers and Technology: Making the
Connection– “With 40,000 participants and a 1993 average of 100,000 log-ons per month, the Texas
Education Network (TENET) is among the largest and most successful state efforts to open the world of telecommunications technology to teachers.” (p. 116)
Foundation to Build From: Dissertation Studies
• Christensen: Teacher Integration Training => Positive Student IT Attitudes
Christensen, R. (2002). Impact of technology integration education on the attitudes of teachers and students. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34 (4), 411-434.
• Hopson: Technology Enriched Middle School Group > Comparison Group in Problem SolvingHopson, M., Simms, R., & Knezek, G. (2002). Effects of a technology enriched learning environment on student development of higher order thinking skills. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 34(2), 109-119.
• For others see: Knezek & Christensen (2002). Impact of New Information Technologies on
Teachers and Students. Education and Information Technologies, 7(4), 369-376.
Federal Projects: Suggested Build-on Approach
• Look across:– similar projects within a program (replication)– programs for similar findings (meta-analysis)
• Examine longitudinal (multi-year) impact• Add research agenda to program
evaluation– Consider reversing perspective
• projects as ‘guinea pigs’ for strong research designs– Researchers/evaluators could be lead PIs
• Find strong comparison group– Matched pairs OK if random selection not possible
Areas of Research NeedsRoblyer & Knezek (2003). New Millenium Research for Educational Technology:
A Call for a National Research Agenda. JRTE, 36(1). 1. Research to Establish Relative Advantage
• Doty, Popplewell, and Byers (2002) - reading via interactive storybooks
2. Research to improve technology implementation methods
• Roblyer And Marshall (2002-2003) - instrument to predict students’ success in Virtual High School courses
3. Research to monitor technology’s impact on societal goals
• Chisholm, Carey, and Hernandez (2002) - uses of IT by students of various ethnic backgrounds
4. Studies that help us shape desired directions• Harris and Jones (1999) - communication patterns of online mentoring
Area 2: Teacher Stage of Adoption vs. Home Access 2001(SITE 2003 Research Award)
Stages and Home Computer Access
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
No Home Comp
Home Comp
Area 3: Trends in Computer Enjoyment - 2001 sample (Girls & Computers, NECC 2003)
Computer Enjoyment 2001
3.25
3.3
3.35
3.4
3.45
3.5
3.55
Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6
Male
Female
Linear (Female)
Area 4: Attitudes Toward School - Maine Learning
Technology Initiative (MLTI) 7th Graders 2003 (unpublished)
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
Att. To
ward
Scho
ol -
M
Why are These Types of Research Important?
• Efficient use of public funds• Preservation of national economy• Improving quality of life• Monitoring long term impact on
society
New AERA SIG
• TACTL (Technology as an Agent for Change in Teaching & Learning)
• First full year: 100 members strong• 2003: Focused on PT3 outcomes - Chicago• 2004: 41 proposals submitted - San Diego
– 88 reviewers reading 2-5 each now
• Forums at AERA, NECC (SITE, EdMedia?) to build bridges to technology groups
For Further Information
• Research Findings:– http://www.iittl.unt.edu/
• AERA SIG– http://www.iittl.unt.edu/tactl
• G. Knezek– http://courseweb.tac.unt.edu/gknezek