The document discusses the need for effective technology in classrooms. It provides evidence that the use of laptops and technology in middle school classrooms led to higher GPAs and improved national test scores, especially for struggling students. Teachers struggle without proper technology as it limits their ability to engage students through diverse teaching methods. However, some teachers have difficulties implementing and adapting to new classroom technologies. The document argues that more technology integration is needed in schools to better prepare students for their futures.

1. GRANT GIGSTAD The Need for Effective Technology in the Classroom

2. Table of Contents/Home Page Improvement of GPAs and Test Scores Struggles of Teachers without Proper Technology Low Usage of Technology in Schools

3. Improvement of GPAs and Test Scores Strongest piece of evidence suggesting the need for technology in the classroom GPAs at middle school level increased over time thanks to the use of laptops and technology Students improved national scores at all levels thanks to technology in the classroom Students who did not typically do well improved scores

4. Improvement of GPAs/Laptop Use in Classroom Program Enrollment Cumulative Grade Point Average Grade Laptop Non-Laptop 6 3.50 3.13 7 3.28 2.94 8 3.23 3.07

5. Improvement of Test Scores Students improved in national testing as well Language test scores show at least a 10% difference between laptop and non-laptop students Math scores range from a 6 to 13% difference in test scores

6. Struggles of Teachers Without Proper Technology Teachers are handcuffed as far as what they can do in the classroom without proper technology Teachers push for a variety of teaching methods for different student learners Students have shown more interest in classroom activities with use of technology Use of laptops have allowed student success in writing and other instructional methods

7. Classrooms with Technology Classrooms without Technology Diverse opportunities for learners Variety of technology promotes innovative thinking Students develop new ideas for a future career Technology allows student interaction Learners handcuffed with opportunities to learn Students struggle doing same monotonous activities in classroom Loss of interest in school Whiteboard work is hard for classroom integration Struggles of Teachers Without Proper Technology

8. Low Usage of Technology in Schools Integration of technology becoming a problem for teachers When resources are there many teachers do not know how to implement them into the classroom Continuous changes in technology force older teachers to want to go back to “older” methods of teaching to avoid problems with technology

9. Low Usage of Technology in Schools Ideas like SMART board are becoming part of the everyday classroom LCD projectors leading to new opportunities with computers Students need to keep up with the changes in technology to better themselves when they reach the real world

10. Conclusion Technology is part of the future of schools, like it or not Students need to get their hands on a variety of technological ideas to improve learning Changes in grading and testing see the need for technology to be at the fingertips of students Teachers see the need, but struggle to gain access to the technology they want Certain teachers are having trouble adapting to technology, which is causing issues in schools for students