Saturday, September 1, 2012

The Impact of Technology Clubs on Technology Use in the Classroom


My Educational Technology Program Final Project:

 The Impact of Technology Clubs on Technology Use in the Classroom

 by Gary Feltman
@garyfeltman


https://docs.google.com/document/d/12nj-O_mIF-KTY_TfQPS-vdUZ5nAxzedUh3KC8VZgVTA/edit













The Impact Technology Clubs on Technology Use in the Classroom
Gary Feltman

National Louis University
June 2012


Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1: Introduction...................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2: Literature Review.............................................................................................. 6
Chapter 3: Methodology.................................................................................................. 13
Chapter 4: Results............................................................................................................ 17
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations............................................................... 47
References........................................................................................................................ 52
Appendix A...................................................................................................................... 54
Appendix B...................................................................................................................... 55







Abstract


Through the last ten years, educational technology use has increased dramatically. Despite barriers like policy which prevent students from using personal technology in the classroom, educational technology still seems to be an effective tool in helping teachers and students enhance the teaching and learning process.
There is much literature explaining the types of technology and how they’re used for personal and educational reasons. Some research concluded that a connection should be made with the gap between technology for personal use and technology used to enhance learning in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible impact of an after school technology club on student technology use in the classroom.
This study consisted of administrator interviews, student observations and a student survey. Participants were asked about topics regarding technology use in and out of the classroom, the purposes of technology, and the relation between technology and education.
A content analysis was performed with the responses. Many ideas and responses that arose from the data matched the review of literature, for example the specific technologies and reasons they are used in and out of the classroom. The results of this study suggest that students should be educated about how to use technology; specifically how to use their personal and mobile devices as learning tools to enhance what they learned in the classroom. This education, which could take place in the form of a voluntary after school club, could prove effective in enhancing classroom content material and educating others on how to use technology to enhance education. The results also suggest that there is a need for further research in the area of educational technology policy in the classroom.












Chapter 1: Introduction

Throughout the last ten years technology use in and out of classrooms has grown. As of now, many district policies state that students are not allowed to use any mobile technology throughout the building during school hours. The district has made progress formally incorporating technology into the school curriculum. This process includes the development of a technology plan, which lays out the framework to improve technology use throughout the building.  The technology plan suggests many ideas in order of suggested importance along with budget details including rearranging technology infrastructure and incorporating educational hardware and software into curriculum.
There has been much progress recently regarding technology use in and out of the classrooms such as teachers researching and using interactive lessons and students using technology on increase understanding of topics. This is a continuous process as supported by the data found in this study as well as the literature review. The research evidence shows that there is technology being used by teachers and students in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning throughout all subject areas (Allen & Seaman, 2009; Cheung & Slavin, 2011; Henderson, 2011; Mierzejewski, 2009; O’Dwyer, Russel, & Bebell, 2005; Project Tomorrow, 2010).
In many cases, there is also evidence of students expressing wanting to use technology in the classroom to enhance their education (Project Tomorrow, 2010). Students are already using personal technologies outside of the classroom to enhance what they learned inside the classroom. A large number of students would do this if they had the resources and knew exactly how to do this. Student beliefs and research show that in order to enhance the teaching and learning process, a connection should be made between technology used for personal purposes and the educational environment (Elliot, 2010; Henderson, 2011; Kolikant, 2009; Perry & Cunningham, 2012; Mierzejewski, 2009; Project Tomorrow, 2010; SEDTA, 2011).
Currently, most of the district’s teachers use a wide variety of technology to present lessons. Students in the district use a wide technology for many personal reasons outside of the classroom. There seems to be a need to connect personal technology use and educational technology use. The purpose of this study is to examine if students attending an after school technology club would impact technology use in the classroom.












Chapter 2: Literature Review

        There seems to be much evidence of technology being used by teachers in classrooms to enhance teaching and learning. Mierzejewski (2009) states that majority of teachers integrate technology at a routine level. This may mean that most students experience technology throughout their education regularly; on the other hand a small amount of students may not be exposed to technology on a regular basis. According to O’Dwyer, Russel, & Bebell (2005), the federal government spends a lot of money on educational technologies; some examples include personal computers, LCD projectors, palm pilots, and education related software. Teachers have access to some technologies. Project Tomorrow (2010) finds that most forms of technology used by teachers in the classroom include projection devices, video clips, Smartboard and Power Point presentations. Expanding on the list, in 2009, Mierzejewski found other technologies in used in the classroom including the internet, data collection tools, multi-media devices, iPods, and mp3 players. Technology can be specialized resulting in targeted growth. Teachers are using content specific technologies to support their curriculum, including graphing calculators in math classes (Mierzejewski, 2009). Science classes have many technologies used including: digital images and video, computer simulations, probe-ware, geo-technologies (GPS), online data for analysis, web-based science inquiry projects, virtual science classrooms, and online assessments (Mierzejewski, 2009). Other instructional technologies used in classrooms include computers, CD’s, DVD’s, LCD projectors, the internet, and interactive media (Miranda & Russel, 2011). All of these technologies seem to be used by most teachers. There is even technology that a small percentage of teachers use to communicate and collaborate for schoolwork purposes including posting to Wiki’s, Tweeting, Microblogging, participating in online communities, and video conferencing (Project Tomorrow, 2010).  Some teachers use computer games in classes, but only during designated times and as a reward or motivator (Henderson, 2011). It seems as there are many educational tools available, however all are not being used. Cheung & Slavin (2011) state that educational technology use will continue to grow in public schools, especially as technology becomes more cost effective and sophisticated.
        There is also evidence of technology use by students in classrooms to enhance their learning experience. Some technologies students use at school are MSWord, Excel, and PowerPoint (Allen & Seaman, 2009; Henderson, 2011). Project Tomorrow (2010) states that students currently use digital media tools, content, and resources for schoolwork purposes including: online tests, paper plagiarism checks, getting assistance from tutors, conducting virtual experiments, completing writing assignments, playing educational games, participating in 3-D virtual reality, slideshows, videos, web-pages, online textbooks, uploading assignments, and listening to podcasts. It is important to understand the technology students use to enhance their learning as the specific technology can serve as a baseline for understanding the technology that is popular among students. Most of these tools used by students to enhance learning seem to be accessible outside of the classroom.
        Students use a wide array of technologies outside of the class for personal purposes. According to Project Tomorrow (2010), student access to electronic devices for personal use includes iPods, desktops, laptops, net-books, tablets, cell phone without internet, flip cameras, phones with internet, and digital readers. Students use web2.0 tools, Facebook, and YouTube to communicate and socialize with others (Project Tomorrow, 2010). Most of the technologies that students use for personal reasons seem to be appropriate for also enhancing their learning experience. For students, electronic games seem to be the most popular form of entertainment, for example game consoles, computers or mobile phone applications on mobile phones (Henderson, 2011). The most common technologies used by students both at home and at school are cell phones, social networks, and web tools to communicate (Project Tomorrow, 2010) with social networks being the most popular among students (Lenhart, Percell, Smith, & Zuckhur, 2010). According to Lenhart, Percell, Smith, & Zickuhr (2010) 63% of teens are online everyday with the use of social networks rising significantly. In addition to cell phones and social networks, teens use the internet, virtual worlds, remix, blog, and share self-created content like photos, videos, artwork, or stories (Lenhart, Percell, Smith, & Zickuhr, 2010). Teens also use the internet outside of the classroom to research topics that are difficult to discuss, for example drug use, sex health, and depression (Lenhart, Percell, Smith, & Zickuhr, 2010). In other words, technology is a tool that students may use to research and explore topics they may be hesitant to ask about or discuss in school. Project Tomorrow (2010) states that students use technologies out of school for communication and collaboration purposes including instant messaging, updating profiles, communication, blogging, and Wikis. Other technology tools and resources used outside of the school include uploading and downloading videos or podcasts or photos to the internet, participating in online games, creating or modifying digital media, mash-up, blogs, participating in 3-D virtual reality, sharing resources, and contributing to Wikispaces (Project Tomorrow, 2010). The idea that all the above listed technologies are popular among students may be a clue as to how technology outside of the classroom may be connected to the learning that takes place inside the classroom.
        There is evidence that students have expressed opinions of wanting to use other technology in class to enhance their learning experience. According to Project Tomorrow (2010), students already use technology tools outside of the classroom to enhance their learning including: online games and simulations, tutoring, seeking assistance via social networks, blogging, seeking expert assistance, Tweeting, Wikis and blogs, creating audio and/or video podcasts, and finding online tutors. Project Tomorrow (2010) states that students report an obstacle: not being able to use devices in school, for example phones, smart phones, or mp3 players. Survey findings show that if allowed, students would use technology in school including: internet research, taking notes & recording lectures, working on projects with class notes, accessing online textbooks, watching videos of class presentations or experiments, and playing educational games  (Project Tomorrow, 2010). Other technologies students want to use in class are laptops, netbooks, internet access in school, access to social networking sites, and communication tools (Project Tomorrow, 2010).
        Students hold beliefs about using technology in the classroom. The way students see it, computers are only one option amongst many available technologies (Henderson, 2011). Perry & Cunningham (2012) found that 86% of students surveyed wished their teachers used computer technology more often. When students choose technology to use, they choose according to the goals they want to achieve (Henderson, 2011). Students believe that by allowing technology devices in the classroom, personal productivity can be enhanced including: communicating with classmates, receiving reminders and alerts, organizing schoolwork, communicating with teachers, learning about school activities, accessing social networks, creating and sharing documents, uploading and downloading, coordinating calendars, and sharing or editing bookmarks (Project Tomorrow, 2010). According to SEDTA (2011), students prefer hand held devices for communication, laptops for project work, and social networking like Facebook combined with texting and instant-messaging for communication tasks, meetings, updates, and discussions. Students also recommend using Blackboard and email for file sharing (SEDTA, 2011). Some advantages students recognize are convenience, increased productivity, easy communication, easily gathering information, and the ability to learn and get peer feedback from fellow students (SEDTA, 2011).
        Research suggests there should be a link between the technology used at home for personal reasons and the technology allowed in the classroom. Henderson (2011) examined both how teachers use technology in a classroom and their approaches to multi-literacy. By observing two schools over a period of two months, they found that there is a divide between home and school technologies that should be bridged (Henderson, 2011). Schools are unable to keep up with ever changing technology, more attention should be paid to link school and home technologies, and students don’t really use technologies in class that they’re really capable of using (Henderson, 2011). Mierzejewski (2009) concludes that teachers need to be more proficient in using technology tools in class and integrating technology into the curriculum. Elliot (2010) also suggests that teachers use multiple devices to extend learning beyond school hours. Project Tomorrow (2010) states “While students are developing these skills outside of school, many schools are not taking advantage of the tools or the students’ knowledge about how to use these tools within the classroom (p.6).” As Henderson (2011) states “Increased attention to what students already know and can do in their out of school lives is a way of beginning to link home and school (p.160).”
One of the reasons students can’t use technology in class is a policy barrier. Direct quotes from Project Tomorrow (2010) from students regarding their beliefs about using technology in the classroom include, “Let me use my cell phone, smart phone, or mp3, let me use my laptop or net-book, provide me with unlimited internet access, provide me with social networking sites, and provide me with tools to help me communicate with my classmates (p.11).” SEDTA (2011) states “Education reform and improvement strategies that employ technology can provide all students, especially those who lack access to technology at home, with opportunities to gain the critical technology skills and real-world knowledge that are fundamental for obtaining jobs in this global, information-technology-rich marketplace. Utilizing technology in the classroom and in everyday life helps students develop higher order thinking skills. Students can engage in real-time discussions, utilizing online resources, furthering class discussions, and developing a deeper understanding of the topic area (p.19-20).” This means that if students should be empowered with knowledge of using technology in order to learn necessary skills to be successful in this ever-changing technologically advanced world.
        Through evidence found in this review of literature, it seems as if multiple various technologies were identified and explained as to how they’re used both by teachers and students inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to listing and explaining how technologies are used, teachers and students also had beliefs on technology, and its role in both inside and outside of the classroom. According to the literature, students already seem to have specific technologies in mind and how they would use them in school if there were not barriers disallowing the process. Finally, the research suggests that in today’s world, it is necessary to have a link between the technology used to enhance the learning that takes place in school and the technologies used for personal reasons.







































Chapter 3: Methodology


The purpose of this study is to examine if students attending an after school technology club would impact technology use in the classroom. Triangulation of data gathering was used including administrator interviews, student observations, and student surveys. First administrators were interviewed. Then students and the technology they were using were observed in the hallways before and after school. Finally, 59 students voluntarily completed an online survey. Responses were analyzed to see if common themes exist. The method used in this study is described in the following headings: (a) participants, (b) instrumentation, (c) procedures, and (d) data analysis.

Participants
Data was gathered from three types of participants: three administrators, students observed in the hallway before and after school, and students who voluntarily completed online surveys during their study halls. The three administrators were the Director of Activities, Director of Educational Support Services, and the Director of Technology. Ten students were observed and briefly interviewed before and after school in the hallways. Of the 59 students who took the survey during their study hall, there was about an equal number of freshman, sophomores and juniors. Since all responses were anonymous, consent to participate was not necessary. All participants were asked questions regarding technology use.



Instrumentation
        The three types of participant groups answered different questions, although all the questions were similar in nature regarding technology use. The questions the participants answered pertained to: student technology knowledge and use in and out of the classroom, teacher technology use in and out of the classroom, students using technology to enhance learning, teacher knowledge and use of technology in the classroom, and any other thoughts about technology use in the classroom.
        Students using technology in the halls before and after school were asked the question, “What type of technology are you using, and for what purpose?”    Administrators were each asked nine questions regarding technology use by students and teachers (see Appendix A). Students responded to the survey by answering eight questions and statements regarding technology use by teachers and students both in and out of the classroom (see Appendix B). Some questions asked students to list or phrases that describe their knowledge of technology use.

Procedure

        Students who were seen using technology in the halls before and after school were observed using cell phones and iPhones.  As students were using technology in the hallways, the author approached each of the ten students. It was briefly explained to each student that their anonymous response was for a graduate school project pertaining to technology use. The author asked students the question, “What type of technology are you using, and for what purpose?” Their responses were recorded on pen and paper, and later typed and transferred to a word processing document.
        The three administrators were each interviewed during May of 2012. Appointments were made over the time span of two weeks. The author sat down with each administrator during a scheduled time, and asked each administrator six questions. Each administrator was asked the same six questions regarding their knowledge and perceptions of student and teacher technology use. During each scheduled interview, the author recorded each administrator’s responses with pen and paper, and later typed and transferred the responses to a word processing document.
        The fifty-nine student surveys were administered during the time students were in study halls. The author visited three study halls, and asked students if they would voluntarily participate in a technology survey for a graduate school research survey. If students were willing to participate, they were asked to go to the computer lab. A computer lab was prepared with computers logged on with the Google Docs survey ready on the screen. A teacher assistant was monitoring the computer lab, standing by to guide students with questions or concerns about the process of completing the online survey while the author was recruiting volunteers from the study halls. About an equal number of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were surveyed. Students voluntarily completed the surveys in a computer lab.

Data Analysis

        The data was analyzed using content analysis. During the analysis, the investigator compared the responses to themes found in the review of literature. It was found that similar themes arose from the study were found in the review of literature. The examples and reasons of technology used by teachers and students in and out of the classroom were similar. The idea that students should be using personal technology devices to enhance and extend their learning was also supported by student responses. The results of the data also suggest ideas for further research and examination. This information can be found in the Discussion chapter.


Chapter 4: Results


The study examined teacher and student technology use in the classroom, and student technology use for personal and educational purposes by using triangulation; students observed in the hallways, administrator interviews, and student responses to a survey.  Tables are provided in order to view all the participant responses.

Student Observations


            Of the ten students observed using mobile devices in the hallways before and after school, their actions consisted of texting, talking, browsing the internet, talking to people playing games. Half of the students were texting. Another student was on Facebook. Two students were talking to their friends. One of the students was playing games while they were talking.
There were several reasons students gave for using their phones. Mostly, their phones were used for socialization and communication purposes. The students wanted to talk to their friends, and see what their friends were doing either at the current moment or in the future. The socialization was mostly accomplished through texting. Another form of socialization was by communicating through Facebook.  A couple students mentioned that sometimes they use their phones for entertainment purposes, for example playing Angry Birds or other apps (see Table 1).


Table 1
Student Responses Gathered From Hallway Observations

Purpose
Responses


Communication & Socialization

Texting
5
Talking
2
Subtotal
7


Social Networks

Facebook
1
Subtotal
1


Apps & Games

Angry Birds
1
Game
1
Subtotal
2


Total
10
               

Administrator responses


            Administrators seemed to be very knowledgeable about student and teacher technology use by giving with brief yet detailed responses. Their responses described their knowledge of teachers using technology in classrooms, teacher's knowledge of enhancing instruction with technology, and students using technology in and out of the classrooms (see Table 2).
            Administrators described the technology used by teachers in the classroom, including: Windows, Power Point, Graphing programs, Smartboards, Excel, graphic design programs, yearbook, school newspaper, Powerschool, computer, printers, online content, email, laptops, LCD projectors, Ebeam Edge devices, tablets, iPads, Kindles, and various editing software (online and computer) to augment learning. Another type of technology used in the classroom is interactive technology including technology dealing with responding to questions, thought organization, and making instructional material more interactive.
            The administrators described teacher knowledge of technology as a wide range, most likely with the younger teachers being slightly knowledgeable with technology. An example provided was that some teachers have yet to learn the basics of file folders while other teachers are writing programs. They also explain that the teachers' knowledge of technology is directly related to the amount and type of professional development provided for the teachers.
            Regarding administrator responses about the technologies used by students out of the classroom, technology seems to be mostly used for social media purposes including: emails, Google searches, video games, music, audio, video programs, computers, laptops, internet, email, iPads, multimedia content, and mobile devices like iPhones and Androids. As far as technology used to enhance what was taught in the classroom, students use Computers, laptops, internet, email, iPads, multimedia content, other mobile devices like iPhones, Androids, ipods, mp3's, audio/video presentations, and audio books.       
            When asked about technology the students may use inside the class if given the opportunity, audio, video, iPhones or portable devices. Students would use social media, may use their smart phone devices for note taking if they were allowed and use their phones to assist with instruction. Administrators would like to see more laptops, net-books, or tablets.
            When asked for any other final comments regarding technology in any setting, administrators had the following thoughts. "Technology is great for learning, it increases and enhances learning, the world is moving rapidly in this direction, our job as educators is to prepare students for an ever changing world." The downside was also explained that technology does not require students to think and problem solve, because the answer is always available. Over the years, technology has transformed from curriculum aid to a necessary form of curriculum delivery. Students need to understand technology in order to be successful in society. One administrator mentioned that all students should be exposed to technology at early ages.

























Table 2
Administrator Responses

Question & Administrator
Responses


What type of technologies do students use INSIDE the classroom?

Director of Activities
Windows, Powerpoint, Graphing programs, Smartboard, Excel, graphic design programs, yearbook, school newspaper, Powerschool, computer
Director of Technology
Use computers, printers, read online content, email, laptopcs, LCD projectors, Smartboards, Ebeam Edge devices, tablets, iPads, Kindles, various editing software (online and computer) to augment learning
Director of Educational Support Services
Technology dealing with responding to questions, technology used to organize thoughts or ideas, and technology to make instructional material more interactive.


What type of technologies do students use OUTSIDE of the classroom?

Director of Activities
Emails, Google searches, video games, music/audio/video programs
Director of Technology
Computers, laptops, internet, email, iPads, multimedia content, other mobile devices like iPhones, Androids.
Director of Educational Support Services
Mainly social media.


What technologies do you think students use out of the classroom to enhance what they learned inside of the classroom?

Director of Activities
Audio/video, Powerpoints, “I don’t think teachers need to teach how to search anymore, kids know how to do that; they’ve figured it out.”
Director of Technology

Computers, laptops, internet, email, iPads, multimedia content, other mobile devices like iPhones, Androids).

Director of Educational Support Services
Social media helps students are able to communicate with other students about what just happened throughout the school day. mP3 players and iPods help also to navigate through various sites to get a book on tape if necessary.


Describe teachers' knowledge of using technology to enhance instruction?



Director of Activities
Probably younger staff members know more technology than older staff members. For example some people don’t use email, and sometimes kids are more advanced, some kids are more tech saavy; for example ask a kid how to send a text, and he’ll show you and do it much quicker than adults.
Director of Technology
Very greatly; can’t describe the range; there is a huge discrepancy between tech saavy teachers and teachers not so familiar with technology; there are teachers that have difficult performing basic file functions and there are teachers that can write programs in Excel and Infopath.
Director of Educational Support Services

Knowledge is directly related to the ongoing professional development teachers receive. Every teacher can be motivated to use technology; this depends on the amount of professional development and support they need to feel comfortable with implementation.

If students could use personal technologies in the class to enhance learning, which ones do you think they would choose and how?

Director of Activities
More music and video, (maybe they’d prefer to do things from the music/video aspect with more information).
Director of Technology
They might use iPhone or portable devices in class but not for learning; I would like to see more laptops, netbooks, or tablets; we’re inching towards this
Director of Educational Support Services
Students would use social media, and use their smart phone devices for note taking if they were allowed and trained to use their phones to assist with instruction


Please share any thoughts about any technology in a home or education setting?


Director of Activities
Technology is great for learning, increases and enhances learning, the world is moving rapidly in this direction, our job as educators is to prepare students for an ever changing world; sometimes kids don’t know how to figure things out, they take the easy way out (searching for answers) without figuring out the problem and this takes away from the learning process
Director of Technology
Over the last ten years, technology has become from a curriculum aid to a main form of curriculum delivery, and it is not simply a tool that one can use today and not use tomorrow. To maximize the benefits, it’s a life-long commitment.
Director of Educational Support Services
Technology is great as long as professional development is provided for home and the workplace. There are long term implications of not having technology or not being exposed to technology. For example, students without exposure to computers at a young age are affected for the rest of their lives. They are afraid, uncomfortable, and develop habits to complete similar tasks as peers in other inefficient methods.


               

Student responses

            Of the 59 students surveyed, two students’ responses were removed due to responses that did not appropriately address the questions asked. Another small number of responses were not used due to many grammatical and misspelling errors, or was just written unclearly. The students gave a lot of feedback regarding student knowledge of technology in and out of the classroom and teacher knowledge and use of technology.

            When students were asked to describe their knowledge of technology use in the classroom, three categories arose, Excellent or Very Confident, Good or Average, and Below Average or Not good. Eighteen considered themselves Excellent and Very Confident, twenty considered themselves good or average, and 5 below average (See Table 3). Some of the specific technologies used in the classroom by students included laptops, computers, internet, overhead projectors, and Microsoft software programs (Word, Power Point, Excel, Publisher).

 














Table 3

Student responses to question #1: List words or short phrases to describe your knowledge of technology use inside the classroom?

Student
Response


1
my knowledge of technology differs between generations of technologgy other then that i have great expierence.
2
easy
simple
helpfull
skillfull
great
dont use too often though
3
Good
4
I know how to use all the programs on the computer
5
Exanlent , Creative
6
power point and mircosoft word.
7
Idk
8
i have electronics n i have been  taking it since my freshman yeaqr
9
basic skills, able to solve technological problems most times, type well
10
Know how usevery well. Most problems encountered can be fixed.
11
I have basic knowledge of the internet and other things on the computer. I know how to type (well I guess you can see that), and how to use the internet to help me on my homework. I know how to use the miscrosoft package to do projects and othe necessary things.
12
Medium use to small.
13
Good
14
computer monitor
screen
cords
15
The knowledge that i use inside the classroom is that i know how to use microsoft word, powerpoint, and excel. There is many more technology that i use like computer ( internet )
16
short wires
17
i know how to use microsoft word, powerpoint, excel, publisher.
i have the knowledge of using the internet.
i basecally dont need help with computer or smartphones
18
not much
19
we dont use technology that much
20
quick, inteligant, geek
21
its really easy to control the computers inside the classroom. i always use it and its very useful.yo.
22
not to bad i dont realy get to use it tho
23
i know how to use it, its pretty easy
24
In some of the class room the technology is getting better.
good
25

know it all
26
I know how to basically do anything on the computer.
27
just using them for research
28
it is very easy to use computers inside the classroom.
29
not alot
30
easy,fast, sometimes slow,
31
just using them for some projects and stuff
mostly microsoft word
learning to make powerpoints better and nicer
32
I know how to login in things, follow directions, and know how to turn on a computer.
33
None
34
Good
35
technology is like a book.
36
technology can be very complicatecd, should be used respectfully.

high tec ,
smart

we use the projecter to learn things
we use laptops to type essays
we use pencil sharpeners to sharpen our pencils

We use the overhead projector in class
I use my computer to check my grades
I use the pencil sharpener
We use laptops to do research and essays
37
Technology is like a book
38
easy,fun,
39
high tech
smart
fun
40
easy, fast
41
technology helps you with your homework it helps you in all your class and givies you information that sometimes arent in books
42
easy, fun, fast to learn, good to know
43
high tech
smart
44
familiar
well-known
comfortable
45
cool,awesome,high tech,comfortable than using paper
46
very interseting and fun to learn about
47
Technology is like a electric library
48
microsft, powerpoint,internet, computer, overhead,
49
power point, phone, microsoft offce, laptop inernet,ibod
50
Microsoft, powerpoint,computer,internet 
51
power point,microsoft office,ipod,phone,laptop,internet expoler,
52
i know very literaturetle about any technology inside the classroom except calculators and the general round abouts of a computer.
53
. the knowledge that whe can use inside of the classroom is just based in the programs powerpoin, internet explore and microsoft.
we used this 3 programs to do projects or look for information based in our assigments.
54
Limited during study halls
55
my knowledge of technology differs between generations of technologgy other then that i have great expierence.
56
easy
simple
helpfull
skillfull
great
dont use too often though
57
Good


 




 

When students were asked to describe their knowledge of technology outside of the classroom, they listed many technologies. In order from most to least, eight students responded with cell phones, computers (6), Internet (5), Social networks and school research (4), Microsoft products and iPods (3), iPads and music (2) , and texting, laptops, x-box, and television (1) (See Table 4).




















Table 4

Student responses to question #2: List words or short phrases to describe your knowledge of technology use outside of the classroom?

Student
Response


1
i enjoy using technology greatly laptops xbox cell phones
2
great
easy
nice
simple

i use it all the time for school or music or social networks
3
always
24/7
texting
4
I know how to use and fix computers outside the classroom
5
Very Creative
6
Smartphone
7
i know alot about tec out of classroom
8
i have a smart phone and i think i know alot about technology i also use my computer n laptop alot so im also a tech freak
9
able to teach siblings, downloading apps, downloading softwares, use microsoft word a lot, connecting printers and other devices to my computer
10
Know how usevery well. Most problems encountered can be fixed.
11
Outside of the classroom I also have basic knowledge of the computer, including mostly the internet and the microsoft package. I also have a phone which I know how to opperate.
12
Large use. More than most.
13
Really well. Most
14
keys

keyboards
15
The technology that i use outside the school is my phone and computer and tv. I know how to set up the tv and i know how to use my phone of course. The computer i know how to search for things.
16
Shorts
17
i know how to use smartphones, computers, internet, ipod
18
a lot
19
use my computer everyday
20
very well i have a iphone
21
I have my own computer at home. its really easy as well. i know everything on a computer, history, data files, private browsing.
22
geeksqad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i use it a lot all the time
23
still pretty easy
24
amazing
easy
fun
25
know it all
26
I know how to do like everything on a computer.
27
for listening to music,social network, and reaserch
28
Easy
29
a literaturetle bit
30
fun,not blocked,
31
outside the class room i mostly use it for social networks
and at times research for school projects
32
I'm on the computer most the time at home. I know how to import and export things out of computer devices and download music.
33
Basic
34
Good
35
fun
36
fun , cool

high tec , easy useful

i use my ipad for social networking
I use a electris toothbrush
i watch t.v
I cook stuff

I use my laptop to do social networking
I use my cell phone for text messaging and calling
I watch TV
I cook in my kitchen
37
Sports
38
hood to know, easy
39
good
easy to use
40
hard, difficult
41
imy knowledge of technology is very good ive bben studing technoglogy for the past 5 years its something that i like to do and plan on being a computer technition
42
good to know, easy.
43
texting
easy
44
Knowledgable
45
not as comfortable,boring,not as fun as in class
46
important,fun,my life, all i do when im not at school
47
Knowledge, books, and a homework resource.
48
general knowledge
49
phone, ibod, power point,
50
tv,computer,microsoft,internet,smart phone
51
ipod,phones,ipads,computers,laptops,internet,microsoft office
52
i know nothing about technology outside of the classroom.
53
my knowledge about technology and the things that i know how to do is different from the ones that we can used during the class.
54
Very broad
55
i enjoy using technology greatly laptops xbox cell phones
56
great
easy
nice
simple

i use it all the time for school or music or social networks
57
always
24/7
texting


 


 

When students were asked how likely they would be to use technology to enhance what they learned in the classroom, eight students already do, 31 said yes they’d be likely, and seven responded not likely (See Table 5).

 



























Table 5

Student responses to question #3: List words or short phrases to describe how likely are you to use your technology out of the classroom to enhance what you learned inside of the classroom? 
Student
Response


1
i love to learn about history and use my technology to great increase
2
i would use it to try out new programs and apps
3
most likely
sometimes
4
i am very likely
5
i use techonoly out side calss room
6
I use it almost everyday.
7
not so likely
8
on a scale of 1-10 i say a 10
9
i use explorelearning.com for science, google for a lot of other subjects, i am very likely to use technology out of the classroom to enhance my learning
10
Not likely
11
Occasionaly
12
Medium chance to small.
13
Good
14
A lot
15
The things that i learn in class that i use later on is powerschool things example microsoft and other things.
16
all the time
17
i use the techonology everyday all the time after school. like google or school stuff search
18
a lot
19
yeah i would use tech. more to study at home then learn in the classroom
20
unlikely
21
If i dont understand anything in the classroom , i usually go on the internet and find my ways to understand the material. however it doesnt usually always work.
22
Never
23
not every likely. illn finish it in school or in after hours
24
most likely
25
know it all
26
I've learned more about technology out of school than in school...
27
i don't use much technology to learn about things from school
28
If i need some help on my hw
29
i am likely to use most of my technology
30
to do projects, homework,grades
31
yeah to research for projects and check your grades and stuff that can be helpful for school
32
Doing work with power points and microsoft word at home for finishing homework at home.
33
Very likely
34
Veryoften
35
Sports
36
Websites,
Online courses

alot , everyday after school

i dont think i use anything that i use in the class room at home

The likelieness of my using technology outside of the classroom to enhance what i learned to school is very high. i use technology to do research, type essays, and check my grades and assignments.
37
Ipod
38
24 hours
39
all the time
40
ill know hoe to do thing better and easyer.
41
a lot i use it for social network and a resource when i have a question
42
all the time
43
all the time
44
very likey
i love technology !
45
not very likely because i do better when i use the technology inside the classrooms
46
for biology and reading and writing  i need to write essays and powerpoints so technology is very important
47
Smart, find out where places are.
48
practice, better use of computer
49
i use it if someone needs help.
50
you always find info on technology
51
i use it if i had to help someone with it or if someone asks me how to do it.
52
probably whileon mycomputer at home.
53
sometimes teacher teach us different things based in powerpoint or microsoft office and i used this knowledge that i learned inside the classroom for continue doing my proyects, homework or even to use it in something personal.
54
Google subject after class or once I return home
55
i love to learn about history and use my technology to great increase
56
i would use it to try out new programs and apps
57
most likely
sometimes


 


 





When students were asked to describe their teachers’ knowledge of using technology to enhance instruction, they noted that 26 teachers were very knowledgeable and very good, ten teachers were average, and eight  teachers were not knowledgeable (See Table 6).





































Table 6

Student responses to question #4: List words or short phrases to describe your teachers' knowledge of using technology to enhance instruction?
Student
Response


1
not greatly
2
teachers should use computers more   often for teaching and lectures
3
somtimes
use it to write on the board
4
my teachers' are very knowledgeable with technology
5
good, Exalent
6
they use it everyday
7
they know aliteraturetle
8
on a scale of 1-10 10
9
powerpoints, projector, showing movies off of the computer
10
Well.
11
Not so great.
Teachers are from the old age and they don't understand that technology is helpfull with everything, and it would be helpfull to use in the classroom.
12
Very large.
13
good
14
intelligent
15
They use mostly computers, phones, & projectors.
16
computer viral internet
17
most of my teachers can't use techonology like internet in the classroom or even hot to put a movie on
18
not much
19
they know a few things about it
20
good
21
very well. theyre good at it.
22
preaty good they can use it sometimes if they know how
23
they somewhat know how to use it
24
better technology
25
ok
not good
good
26
Not very good...
27
they know the simple steps to use a computer
28
-
29
they use the projecter alot
30
good,fast,can go on youtube
31
alot of the teacher use powerpoint that really helps understand the topics better
and videos that help show you how things are
32
Well, they have in mind what they want us to do on the computers so I'm pretty sure they know what they want us to do.
33
Using the ipad to present lessons
34
good
35
cheeting
36
they use overheads

easy high tec ,

well my teachers are pretty updated my math teacher uses a touchscreen laptop

My teacher uses a touch screen laptop to show us work on the overhead
37
cheeting
38
good at explaining
39
better
40
confusing. weird
41
there technology is pretty good and been using them to show use things we havent seeen before
42
good at explaining, good with one on one helping
43
directions
44
knowledgable
geniuses !
45
their okay sometimes its confusing what they say to do on the computers during class periods
46
with new technology i could learn more like in algebra my teacher started using this new device to write on the board and it helps her out and it helps us out
47
As a on task student.
48
uses over head to project problems on board, pracitce
49
power point
50
computer,smart phone
51
my teachers teach me alot about powerpoint that i dont know or microsoft office like new things that came out in the new virsion or so
52
most know very literaturetle and have great difficulty with it but manage to get through the problems.
53
well i really dont have any special class about technology so the only knowledge that i learned from teachers is how to used the programs that we need to be doing our proyects, but they dont really teach us nothing else, the things that i know is because i look for them by my self, even if i do something wrong i fixed it.
54
Some teachers are more limited than others.
55
not greatly
56
teachers should use computers more   often for teaching and lectures
57
somtimes
use it to write on the board


 



           

            There were many responses when it came time for students to list technologies teachers use in the classroom. Forty-eight computers (laptops, desktops, tablets, macs), 20 projectors, ten Smartboards, seven Microsoft Products, six iPads, three movies on Youtube, two for iPhones and iPods, and one Mac. The computers broken down are 27 computers, 15 laptops, three tablets, and a Mac (See Table 7).





































Table 7

Student responses to question #5: What type of technologies do your teachers use in your classroom? (please list all)      
Student
Response


1
websites
projectors
laptops
2
over head projector
computer
3
computer
tablet
ipad
4
computers
5
think pad
6
projecters, laptops, ipads, tablet.
7
nun really
8
computers n ipads n phones
9
projector, computer (laptop)
10
Computers, Projecter
11
Projectors
Computers
Cellphones
12
Phone.
Computer.
Overhead.
IPad.
Printer.
Van Graff (sometimes).
13
Laptops, Over heads. Computers
14
smart boards

computers
15
Computers
Projectors
Cell phones
Smart boards
16
computers lights much more
17
smartphone
computers
internet
 laptops
projectors
18
lap tops
19
computer
20
computers
21
they go on facebook,
check their email,
grades,
22
projector, smart board, cumputer, printer
23
ipads
smart boards.
laptops/computers
24
computer
ditial draw
25
smart boards
computers
26
Microsoft programs such as Word
Internet
27
projector
28
fb
grades
email
powerpoints
29
whiteboard ,computer projecter
30
smart board, kindles,
31
power point
youtube
google
movies
32
Calculator, cell phones, computer, laptops, radios, and timers.
33
Ipad
Desktop
34
cumputer tablets bluetoothprojectors
35
books
36
overheads, smartboards, etc.

computers , laptops

mobile laptop
projector

Overhead projector
Laptop
37
computers, laptops books
38
smart board
39
computers
laptops
40
labtop, pc, phones, progecters
41
powerpoints
notes
42
a mac
43
computers
phone
44
computer
projector
laptop
45
illustrator,publisher,powerpoint
46
computers,overhead, laptops
47
touch screen laptop, Their phone, and their ipods.
48
computer, overhead,
49
computers, ibod
50
overhead,computer
51
computers,laptops,phones
52
computers, touchboards, and overheads.
53
powerpoint
internet explore
microsoft and also
windows media player to watch movies or documentals
54
explorer learning
brainpop
55
websites
projectors
laptops
56
over head projector
computer
57
computer
tablet
ipad


 




When students were asked to list technologies used outside of the classroom their responses included (in order from most to least): cell phones (40), computers (31) iPods (27), laptops (19), video games (16), television (12), the internet (5), iPads (4), radio and Microsoft products (3), and tablets (2) (See Table 8).



















Table 8

Student responses to question #6: What type of technologies do you use outside of the classroom? (please list all)
Student
Response


1
phone
xbox
tv
laptop
2
phone
laptop
ipod
3
computer
phone
ipod
4
phones and computers
5
phone, ipod, computer,
6
laptops, ipads, tablet. Smartphone
7
phone
laptop
8
Phones
9
computer,ipod, t.v., printer
10
Computer, Phone, TV,Game Consoles
11
cellphone
computer
radio
12
Phone.
Computer.
Laptop.
IPod.
IPod touch.
Ps3.
13
Nice
14
computer

cellphones
15
Computer, Ipod, TV, Cellphone
16
Cellphone computer lights etc
17
smartphones, ipod, laptop, internet, computer
18
Computer
19
Computer
20
iphone computers
21
i use computers, laptops , ipods,
22
computer labtop, projector, cell phone
23
ipad. computer. ipod.
24
phone
ipod
cars
radio
tv
 games
25
video games
computers
phone
26
Internet
3ds max
Games
Word
27
phone, computer, ipod, watch, and television
28
computer
ipod
29
phone computer tv
30
ipod,phone,game systems
31
internet google
32
iPods
Phones
Computers
Laptops
Calculators projecting things
33
Ipod touch
Laptop
Desktop
Camera
34
phone tablets tv cumputeripods
35
phone, ipod
36
phone
laptop

cell phones ,computers , ipods

phone ipad laptop t.v car

Cell phone
Laptop
TV
37
Science
38
toshiba , game system, ipod and phone
39
phone
laptop
computer
xbox 360
40
labtop. soundboards, progectors, 
41
google
facebook
42
a pc computer
43
computer
radio
ipod
cell phone
video game
44
cell phone
computer
game devices !
45
None
46
i use a laptop,phone,ipod,xbox,tv
47
my phone ,laptop,and my Ipod.
48
computer, tv, cellphone, ipod,
49
phone, ibod
50
phone, computer,tv
51
micrsoft office,internet expoler,power point,phones,ipod,iphones,ipads,laptops,computers
52
my cellphone, ipod nano, computer, playstation, and television.
53
ipod touch, laptop, psp3,psp2, video games , windows Dvd marker, Windows Mediaplayer to listening music or burn CD's, Dj player,photoshop etc.
54
skype/ video chat
55
phone
xbox
tv
laptop
56
phone
laptop
ipod
57
computer
phone
ipod


 


 

            Students listed several technologies when asked to list what technologies they would use if they were allowed to use technology in the classroom. Some responses included: phones for internet access (22 students), laptops for internet research (15), iPods for music and research (7), iPads (6), and Smartboards for interactive learning (2) (See Table 9).


 





Table 9

Student responses to question #7: If you could use your personal technologies in the class to enhance learning, which ones would you choose and how would you use them?
Student
Response


1
phones
ipads
2
my android because there are some good apps and easy to get internet accesss
3
phone
i would go on the internet
4
computers to find out more information using the internet
5
phone or lap top
6
Dfghsdfzd
7
laptop
smart phone
8
ipods to look n reasearsh hard to answer things
9
None
10
Laptop
11
Computers, because they have internet through which you can enhance your learning experience. Teachers,no matter what they say, are not always right and with the use of internet you can check if they truly are.
12
I would use my phone. I would only use it to search up videos of what the teacher was teaching to provide myself multiple ways of learning the same thing. Increases the possibiliteraturey of learning new loopholes and tricks.
13
Laptops to help research
14
cell phone

ipods
15
To use ipods because some people can concentrate with music on.
16
Phone- Internet
Labtop- Internet
17
smartphone to search yahoo or google always helpfull to find questions also book online for classes
18
lap tops
19
phone, laptop
20
Phone
21
a laptop to school everyday. its very useful and advacned.
22
labtop take notes,
23
ipad, ill put all my books on them
24
Ipads
25
I would use my phone
to take notes
26
Nothing really...
27
my phone to look up reaserch
28
-
29
ipad
30
cell phones because it has caculators and when you need it you can use your phone
31
my cell phone
32
My cell phone or laptop I think it would be easier to understand things in the classroom and a fater way of learning it.
33
If I could, I would probably use my laptop if we had to do any major lessons or group projects to do research while remaining in class. But also, I would use my Ipod touch in class to use a graphing calculator app in algebra.
34
tablets toreadt thebookonline
35
lap top
36
comoputer to go to websites that help

computer , and use high tec ,

phone laptop ipad car

I would use my cell phone to search things we were working on
37
Technology
38
ipod
39
ipad
phone
laptop
40
i would us a labtop because if you ned to under stand some thing more you can look it up.
41
some microsoft propudct or apple
42
i would use illustrater on a mac because everyone should know how to use it
43
computer,it would help me find answers more quickly
44
smart board !
45
idont got any problems with these
46
i would love to use my phone and a laptop in class to helpmelook stuff up that i dont understand
47
An Ipad touch.
48
cell phone to texr answers in to check them
49
phone
50
Laptop
51
ipods or ipones for faster search
52
i would use my ipod because music helps me focus.
53
i would share my knowledge based in the things that i know how to used and in the things that i send most of my time to teach my classmates or teachers other different kind of ideas of how to used the another programs to edit and came out with dissigns for the proyects or werever we doing in the class..
54
Smartboards
55
phones
ipads
56
my android because there are some good apps and easy to get internet accesss
57
phone
i would go on the internet


 


 

When students were asked for final comments about technology, they had some insightful thoughts about technology and how it relates to our society. Some responses included personal uses and perceptions of how technology relates to daily functions in and out of the classroom (See Table 10).





































Table 10

Student responses to question #8: Please share any thoughts about any technology in a home or education setting?
Student
Response


1
phones
ipads
2
my android because there are some good apps and easy to get internet accesss
3
phone
i would go on the internet
4
computers to find out more information using the internet
5
phone or lap top
6
Dfghsdfzd
7
laptop
smart phone
8
ipods to look n reasearsh hard to answer things
9
None
10
Laptop
11
Computers, because they have internet through which you can enhance your learning experience. Teachers,no matter what they say, are not always right and with the use of internet you can check if they truly are.
12
I would use my phone. I would only use it to search up videos of what the teacher was teaching to provide myself multiple ways of learning the same thing. Increases the possibiliteraturey of learning new loopholes and tricks.
13
Laptops to help research
14
cell phone

ipods
15
To use ipods because some people can concentrate with music on.
16
Phone- Internet
Labtop- Internet
17
smartphone to search yahoo or google always helpfull to find questions also book online for classes
18
lap tops
19
phone, laptop
20
Phone
21
a laptop to school everyday. its very useful and advacned.
22
labtop take notes,
23
ipad, ill put all my books on them
24
Ipads
25
I would use my phone
to take notes
26
Nothing really...
27
my phone to look up reaserch
28
-
29
ipad
30
cell phones because it has caculators and when you need it you can use your phone
31
my cell phone
32
My cell phone or laptop I think it would be easier to understand things in the classroom and a fater way of learning it.
33
If I could, I would probably use my laptop if we had to do any major lessons or group projects to do research while remaining in class. But also, I would use my Ipod touch in class to use a graphing calculator app in algebra.
34
tablets toreadt thebookonline
35
lap top
36
comoputer to go to websites that help

computer , and use high tec ,

phone laptop ipad car

I would use my cell phone to search things we were working on
37
Technology
38
ipod
39
ipad
phone
laptop
40
i would us a labtop because if you ned to under stand some thing more you can look it up.
41
some microsoft propudct or apple
42
i would use illustrater on a mac because everyone should know how to use it
43
computer,it would help me find answers more quickly
44
smart board !
45
idont got any problems with these
46
i would love to use my phone and a laptop in class to helpmelook stuff up that i dont understand
47
An Ipad touch.
48
cell phone to texr answers in to check them
49
phone
50
Laptop
51
ipods or ipones for faster search
52
i would use my ipod because music helps me focus.
53
i would share my knowledge based in the things that i know how to used and in the things that i send most of my time to teach my classmates or teachers other different kind of ideas of how to used the another programs to edit and came out with dissigns for the proyects or werever we doing in the class..
54
Smartboards
55
phones
ipads
56
my android because there are some good apps and easy to get internet accesss
57
phone
i would go on the internet


 





Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations


            The study proposed to investigate the possible impact of technology clubs on technology use in the classroom. Data was collected regarding class-based technology use, and personal and educational technology use by students. Many responses found in this study match the themes found in the literature review including technology used by teachers in the classroom, technology used by students outside of the classroom, and evidence of students wanting to use technology in the classroom to enhance their learning experience. The study found that in addition to students wanting to use their personal technology devices to enhance their education, a number of students area already doing so. This study finds that having students attend a technology club may positively impact the way students use technology to enhance and extend their learning in the classroom. This chapter is divided into the following discussion sections: (a) technology implications, (b) important findings, (c) need for further research and (d) conclusion.

Implications of Student Technology Use in the Classroom

            Regarding the types of technology use by teachers in the classroom, many responses matched the findings from the literature review (Mierzejewski, 2009; Miranda & Russel, 2011; Project Tomorrow, 2010). Some of the technology included computers, all Microsoft software, projection devices, online textbooks, video clips, internet searches, calculators, interactive learning environments, and interactive hardware and software. This shows that teachers are using technology in the classroom to deliver instruction.
            When it comes to technology used by students outside of the classroom, many examples found in the literature were similar to what students are actually using, as noted by the responses in this study (Henderson, 2011; Lenhart, Percell, Smith, & Zickhur, 2010; Project Tomorrow, 2010). The most common based on both the literature review and participant responses are technology for communication, socialization and entertainment purposes including: cell phones with and without internet, social networks, computers and laptops, internet, iPods, and games. The data from the student responses supported the idea of students using cell phones and mobile devices for communication, socialization, and entertainment purposes. According to the student survey data, most students considered themselves either excellent or very good at using technology for various reasons. The idea of students using mobile devices for the above stated reasons may suggest the most popular specific technologies to begin making the connection to the classroom with are mobile devices, web-based apps, communication tools including social networks, and game-based learning.
            There is evidence of students wanting to use technologies in the classroom to enhance their learning as matched by literature review and participant responses (Project Tomorrow, 2010). The literature review stated that there should be a connection between technology used at home for personal reasons and technology allowed in the classroom (Elliot, 2010; Henderson, 2011; Mierzejewski, 2009; Project Tomorrow, 2010). Participant responses showed a small number of students have already made the connection between technology used for personal reasons and technology used to enhance learning, and many other students would be willing to use technology to enhance their learning. It seems as many students have access to both the technology tools and resources necessary to extend their learning, but simply may not know how to access and use the tools. Students in this survey use technologies like computers and laptops, Microsoft Office products, internet searches, educational apps, and online interactive learning environments to continue the learning process out of the classroom. An even greater number of students are willing to use technology to enhance their learning in the classroom. If students are willing to use technology to enhance their learning, as the participant responses in this study show, this literature review provides an excellent list of technology to begin incorporating outside of the classroom to enhance the learning process. If one of the barriers of students using technology to enhance their learning is ignorance, then the evidence is clear that teaching students how to use personal technology as an extension of learning would be beneficial to the education process.

Need for Further Research
            This study shows there may be a need for further research in examining the types of barriers preventing students from using technology in the classroom to enhance their learning. As the data in this study suggests, students consider more than half the teachers very knowledgeable in the area of technology, however students still consider a large number of teachers not very knowledgeable about technology. This may suggest that teachers are a barrier when it comes to allowing students to use technology in the classroom. Another area of further research is to examine other ways to improve student use of personal technology to enhance and extend their learning outside of the classroom. 

Important Findings
            It seems as the participant responses show evidence of the benefits of connecting personal technologies to classroom studies to enhance the learning process. If students were taught how to use technology to enhance the classroom content in specific ways, they would be able to research and find more information and other interactive ways of readdressing key issues learned in the classroom. More importantly, a high number of students are ready and willing to move forward with the idea of using technology to enhance what they learned in the classroom.
Based on the results of this research study, it seems as if an after school technology club would assist students in connecting personal technologies to enhance their classroom learning. Teaching students how to use personal technology devices to enhance their learning would be a great start, as students could use their technology outside of the classroom to improve understanding of classroom content. Simply showing and instructing various methods to do this gets the information out there. Some of these technologies might include internet research with mobile devices, audio and video supplements to lessons, communication, collaboration, and organization applications, apps like Dictionaries and calculators, and communicating to increase productivity and gain feedback for individual and shared assignments.
            The question to be answered is whether an after school technology club would affect technology use in the classroom. If students were to have an extra-curricular activity which incorporated teaching and demonstrating how to use technology to enhance the classroom learning, a handful of students would make the connection to their learning content to their personal devices. Students would be knowledgeable of various ways to enhance their learning once they leave the classroom, and the connection to personal technologies to the content learned in the classroom would be much closer than it was before. Those students can therefore demonstrate to their peers and teachers how they use their devices to extend their learning. This concept would be similar to the Train the Trainers model, where people train each other how to perform tasks, where students would teach others how to effectively use technology to enhance education.
However, a major obstacle that would slow this goal down and would now allow technology to be used in the classroom is district or classroom policy. With this in mind, students using technology outside of the classroom to enhance what they learned in the classroom would still be a step in the right direction. A district also needs to continuously and effectively provide their teachers with professional development opportunities to build confidence and assurance in letting students use technology and personal devices to enhance their learning. Another benefit to teaching students how to use technology is if and when students continue to higher education, they would be practiced and prepared to use technology devices to enhance what they learned in the classroom.

Conclusion
            This study is important because it raises awareness of a concept which may have many positive implications towards education; letting students use personal technologies in the class to enhance the teaching and learning process. If students were trained and taught how to use safely and effectively use technology to enhance their education through an after school club or extra-curricular activity, they could transfer and apply that knowledge to the classroom. Those students could also teach their peers and teachers in the multiple ways to use technology to enhance learning.

REFERENCES


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Cheung, A. & Slavin R. (2011, May). The Effectiveness of Education Technology for
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Appendix A


Administrator Questionnaire

Question #1: What type of technologies do students use inside the classroom?      
Question #2: What type of technologies do students use outside of the classroom?
Question #3: What technologies do you think students use out of the classroom to enhance what they learned inside of the classroom? 
Question #4: Describe teachers' knowledge of using technology to enhance instruction?    
Question #5: If students could use personal technologies in the class to enhance learning, which ones do you think they would choose and how?
Question #6: Please share any thoughts about any technology in a home or education setting?






















Appendix B


Student Questionnaire

Question #1: List words or short phrases to describe your knowledge of technology use inside the classroom?    
Question #2: List words or short phrases to describe your knowledge of technology use outside of the classroom?
Question #3: List words or short phrases to describe how likely are you to use your technology out of the classroom to enhance what you learned inside of the classroom?         
Question #4: List words or short phrases to describe your teachers' knowledge of using technology to enhance instruction?       
Question #5: What type of technologies do your teachers use in your classroom? (please list all) 
Question #6: What type of technologies do you use outside of the classroom? (please list all)
Question #7: If you could use your personal technologies in the class to enhance learning, which ones would you choose and how would you use them?
Question #8: Please share any thoughts about any technology in a home or education setting?










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