Technology in Minnesota Public Schools

Image from sspps.org

Is it feasible?

Report and Presentation by Catherine NewcombDecember 2010

… in Minnesota, 3% of High School students drop out each year… NCES, 2009

Minnesota Schools are Failing

Mathematics

Reading

Number 258,754 293,467

Percent 67% 73%MN Star Tribune, 2010

Table 1 above illustrates the number of public school students who passed statewide testing in mathematics and reading for 2010.

Table 1.

Is there a solution?It has been theorized that technology in schools could:

- Improve student learning- Increase classroom efficiency- Increase student engagement

And so we have to ask…Could technology improve the condition of Minnesota’s public school system?

Making a Plan for ActionStep 1: Evaluate literature review of other instances of technology integration in educational systems.

Step 2: Design and administer a statistically significant survey evaluating student and staff interest.

Step 3: Interview randomly selected students to assess individual interest levels and suggestions regarding potential benefits.

Step 4: Interview randomly selected instructors to assess interest levels, technology competence, opinions regarding potential benefits, and opinions on cost effectiveness.

Step 5: Develop recommendations for further evaluation and implementation of technology integrated classrooms.

The Literature says YESStudents using computer-based instruction completed tasks in less time and had higher test scores than students in a control group that received traditional, non-computer classroom teaching. (Kulik, 1994)

Computers and technology in the classroom can lead to small group activity with more student engagement and higher levels of student satisfaction. (Baker & O’Neil, 1994)

Eighth grade students showed significant improvement using computer-based development than their control group peers. (Wenglinsky, 1998)

Teachers in classrooms with one computer per student were able to increase individual student attention and spend less time on whole class lecture. (Russell et al., 2002)

Image from brooklyn.cuny.edu

The Students say YES

Students currently rate their education at Delano Public School as:

Exceptional Satisfactory Needs Improvement

They are interested in learning more about the following in classrooms:- Computers - Small Groups- Other Technology

The Teachers say YESTeachers felt that LCD Projectors and Laptops could improve student learning.

Teachers did not support Audience Response Systems or SMART boards for Delano

Schools.

Image from ismartboard.com

Delano is Ready to Move Forward

Technology integrated classrooms may improve learning and student engagement.

Technology integration is possible at Delano High School using the spaces currently available.

Integrated classrooms will put Delano High School at the leading edge of public education.

Delano is Ready to Move Forward

Technology integrated classrooms may improve learning and student engagement.

Technology integration is possible at Delano High School using the spaces currently available.

Integrated classrooms will put Delano High School at the leading edge of public education.

Delano is Ready to Move Forward

Technology integrated classrooms may improve learning and student engagement.

Technology integration is possible at Delano High School using the spaces currently available.

Integrated classrooms will put Delano High School at the leading edge of public education.

What does Delano do next?Our research supports the following for Delano High School:

Round table set-ups to facilitate group work with and without computers

Computer availability to classrooms via laptop cartsSMART boards in classrooms to allow saving in-class work

Class websites for internal and external references to facilitate learning and student engagement

Image of Delano Public High School