This document discusses using technology to engage and motivate students at Irondale Middle School. It notes that students are digital natives who want to use technology in school. However, there are barriers like lack of resources and teacher training. The author plans to study how technology impacts student engagement and motivation through observations and surveys of the entire faculty over several months. The goal is to identify how technology can promote student learning when integrated into the curriculum.

1. Larisa Managan
ED 692 Spring 2012

2.  Students in schools today are part of
the 21st century which is forever
changing.
 One aspect changing during the 21st
century is technology and integrating
technology into teaching
 The problem is reaching all learners in
the classroom using technology

3.  Students are living in a digital
world so we as teachers have to
turn the page from the traditional
way of teaching students and
engage them by incorporating
technology into classrooms to
motivate them.

5.  Mission Statement: Irondale Middle School is
committed to excellence in teaching and
learning for all.
 Student Body
◦ 96% African American
◦ 3% Caucasian
◦ 1% Hispanic
 All teachers at Irondale Middle School are
highly qualified

6.  How can technology be used to
engage and motivate students?
 Does technology integration
increase student motivation,
engagement, and interest?

7.  Technology motivates students to
learn
 Technology allows the learner to be
more in control of their learning
 Students want to bring their
technology experiences into the
classroom to increase academic
engagement.

8.  Lack of resources for incorporating
technology
 Lack of professional development to
show teachers how to integrate
technology
 Teacher attitudes about technology
 Administrators not being on board

9. ◦ Participants: entire faculty at Irondale
Middle School
◦ Data Collection Strategies: extensive
interaction, qualitative data, surveys,
interviews, observations, faculty
meetings, and discussions
◦ February – April 2012

10.  Data Analysis
 Making observations and taking notes as
students are using various forms of
technology
 Reflect as I am conducting my action
research
 Develop new theories from my old
theories

11.  Recurring Themes
 Engagement
 Level of involvement
 Motivation
 Interest

12.  Technology increases enthusiasm when
incorporated into the curriculum
 Teachers should technology to engage
and motivate students

13.  Technology can promote students
inquiry and critical thinking skills.
Teachers can use technology to engage
all learners and support instructional
strategies.
 Add more professional development so
that teachers are more comfortable using
technology in the classroom