the student outcome. In regard to technology infrastructure, the school made it a priority
to make computers accessible for all students in the classroom. With laptop carts and
smartboards, classrooms were equipped for technology integration. However, in
evaluating lesson plans and observing classrooms, there was not a solid understanding of
how technology can be used in a more meaningful way to enhance student learning. In
Teacher 1 and 3’s classrooms, the technology, in this case, laptops were used as glorified
workbooks or worksheets. In the math class, Teacher 3 used a computer program to
assess student progress in the class. However the program although known to customize
the level of difficulty for each student, was only used as an insular activity with the
students that limited collaboration and student engagement.
During the Biology class, Teacher 1 asked students to begin a webquest that
reflected more of a rote worksheet and appeared to have taken much time and effort for
the teacher to create, but students quickly accomplished this task. During classroom
observation, the majority of student behaviors indicated that they did not feel challenged
by the task. There were many side conversations occurring as students were completing
the task. One-word answers found from their web surfing or student textbooks were
exchanged with each other and then written on the worksheet to show completion. The
lack of rigor and classroom management was also reflected in the math class when the
researcher observed a few students “googling” prom dresses and shoes even though they
were instructed to continue working on their Cognitive Tutor math review program.
Although, these behaviors may be more due to classroom management, the students did
not feel any academic urgency to stay on task for the majority of the class. It is also