Does Use of Technology Enhance a Student’s Learning Experience? Capstone Project Example

The teaching system remained unchanged for over a century with books and blackboard being one of the primary teaching tools but new technology has made progress in the classrooms over the last few decades. Fortunately, the impact of new technologies, many of whom have been made possible due to progress in computing as well as internet, has been mostly positive. A research study divided a class of 6^th graders into two groups and found that both groups performed at the same level in a Math test before the start of the study. But the group which received instruction in a technology-based environment demonstrated a significantly improved understanding of the number sense in the post-test as compared to the group which was taught in a traditional learning environment without any technological intervention. The study concluded that the technology-based environment makes it more engaging and fun for students to learn the concepts while also resulting in better understanding of the course material than the traditional non-technology based instruction methods (Yang & Tsai, 2010).

Similarly, a combination of computing devices and wireless internet means traditional books can be replaced with e-books which have the capability to support interactive features such as videos, animations, and audios (Cole, 2006). Technological advancements have also created real potential of improving the academic performance of those with different types of disabilities whether physical or learning. Many of these solutions require only slight modifications to widely used computing equipments such as replacing mouse with joystick or touch-screen monitors for those with mobility disabilities. Some solutions can be implemented immediately by over-the-counter products such as voice-recognition software and speech synthesizers (Mitchell, 2007).

References

Cole, G. (2006, October 4). Will the eBook finally replace paper? Retrieved March 26, 2012, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2006/oct/05/guardianweeklytechnologysection4

Mitchell, D. (2007). What Really Works in Special and Inclusive Education: Using Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies. Routledge.

Yang, D. C., & Tsai, Y. F. (2010). Promoting Sixth Graders’ Number Sense and Learning Attitudes via Technology-based Environment. Educational Technology & Society , pp. 112-125.