Evaluating Technology Integration in Schools

 

Evaluating Technology Integration in Schools



Technology has become a huge part of a school district's budget. Technology integration is ubiquitous in schools across the country, and the investments being made are enormous. Therefore, it is incumbent upon districts to evaluate the impact that technology purchases make in the classroom. "Significant educational resources have been invested to install and implement educational technology in classrooms. In the past, it may have been possible to evaluate this investment in terms of either numbers of students per device or level internet connectivity, but today boards of education and school leaders often focus on finding ways to determine whether this investment is paying off in terms of student learning" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 187). Educational technology tools are most effective when they provide teachers and students with equal parts efficiency, engagement, and enhancement of learning. Technology can make learning more efficient by decreasing the amount of time it takes to research or create products. Digital applications are engaging and fun to use. Technology tools used in the classroom should enhance student learning, especially if a large financial investment in them is being made.





One way that many districts are investing in technology is to provide 1:1 technology for students. "An increasing number of schools have chosen to implement 1:1 models to put a device in the hands of each student. When changes like this are made, schools must find ways to demonstrate that this investment is paying off in terms of student learning" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 187).  Chromebooks are a popular choice for 1:1 implementation. "There are many benefits of Chromebook technology, including specifically designed tools made just for this device. An array of applications, educational games, and adaptive software are helpful in the classroom" (Albataineh, Warren, & Al-Batainch, 2024, p. 139). Students are more engaged when they are able to participate in technology integration instead of simply consuming it. "Students are authentically engaged when learning by doing or using the technology themselves instead of watching others use it" (Albataineh et al., 2024, p. 142). In the following video, one teacher in the Dayon Public School district describes her experience integrating 1:1 technology into her classroom. While she was initially apprehensive and concerned that her students would spend too much time on screens, she eventually embraced the new technology and learned to use it to enhance her curriculum instead of replace it.





How can schools show the positive impact of new technology like Chromebooks? One especially effective way to demonstrate the use of new technology is to invite stakeholders such as district leaders and even parents into the classrooms to observe technology use. It is important to visit schools to see technology use in action to understand what is successful. "Assessment must be an ongoing process, because both the technology and the way users employ it are constantly changing. The evaluation process must be continuously revised, adapted, and improved to successfully gauge performance and growth" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 188). Teachers must be continuously trained on how to  use new technology and understand how students are using technology in their own lives and at school. 


References

 Albataineh, M., Warren, B., & Al-Bataineh, ,A. (2024). The effects of Chromebook use on student 

     engagement. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science, 8(1), 138-151.

Frazier, M. & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator's handbook (4th Ed.). International

     Society for Technology in Education. 




















Comments

  1. Mena SingletonMarch 2, 2025 at 5:51 PM

    Kim, school technology has evolved tremendously over the years, so funding for it is essential. Teachers and students should plan and implement it purposefully. Securing and supporting technology to enhance learning requires a considerable financial commitment from the school district (Frazier and Hearrington p. 185). For a comprehensive, districtwide technology program to be successful, the technology coordinator and administration must ensure that an adequate budget is available to provide all necessary equipment, software, connectivity, technical support, and training district (Frazier and Hearrington p.185). Purchasing equipment for a school or district is a significant task requiring teamwork. When evaluating new equipment, consider the current equipment’s performance, compatibility, and instructional effectiveness.

    Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator’s handbook: A guide for EdTech facilitators and leaders (4th ed.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anchored in EducationMarch 2, 2025 at 8:58 PM

    From Tanishia Smith-

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the need to evaluate technology investments. I believe that 1:1 programs, like Chromebooks, can be effective tools for instruction, but only if they truly enhance student learning rather than just add more screen time. That can sometimes be a hard balance for teachers. I like the idea of inviting stakeholders into classrooms to see technology-use in action. Seeing students actively creating, collaborating, and problem-solving with technology is a lot more meaningful than just looking at data. I also believe that evaluation should take place at different phases of the integration timeline. Frazier and Hearrington (2024) note that schools need to evaluate technology both during implementation (formative evaluation) and after it’s been in place for a while (summative evaluation). Ongoing training for teachers is also important. When educators feel confident using technology, I believe that students reap the benefits. Bull et al. (2016) note that effective technology use depends on well-prepared teachers, ongoing support, and continuous professional development, along with formative and authentic assessments that align with meaningful learning activities.


    References

    Bull, P., Spector, J. M., Persichitte, K., & Meier, E. (2016). Effective use of educational technology requires ongoing support. Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 5(1), 17-28.

    Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator's handbook (4th ed.). International Society for Technology in Education.

    ReplyDelete

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