Complete Results

• TnETL helped increased student engagement.
• TnETL students and teachers increased the use of technology tools. 

Goal - Develop a plan to conduct scientifically based evaluation of an educational intervention that uses technology applications as a tool to increase student achievement in one or more core academic subjects.

Research Question: Does implementation of the TnETL model raise student achievement in program schools compared to control schools?

Finding: A promising trend emerged as the Program students out-performed or performed as well as Control students in all instances except with regard to Launch 2 5th grade math and language arts, however, they also emerge with more experience using technology as a learning tool in meaningful computer activities.
Students in Program classrooms were significantly more engaged in student-centered learning activities and were better able than the Control students to demonstrate the application of critical thinking skills, which for some students resulted in superior or comparable TCAP math and language arts performance.

Research Question: A) Does implementation of TnETL improve teachers’ skill levels in, and attitudes toward, integrating technology with curriculum and state standards? B) To what degree do teachers at Program and control schools feel competent in demonstrating the national Education Technology Standards (NETS) for Teachers?

Finding: Overall, both the randomly conducted whole school and targeted observations revealed that the instructional strategies implemented in TnETL Program schools were more reflective of research-based practices that accommodate technology integration that those observed in Control classes. The Program teachers were better able to integrate greater and higher-quality use of computers as a learning tool and for instructional delivery, as compared to Control teachers. The students’ attention and interest was more frequently observed in Program classes than in Control classes. Though these results are positive and certainly reflect the goal of TnETL, continued professional development is needed to better prepare teachers to increase the frequency and intensity of implementation, which could yield greater and more consistent improvement in student learning.

Goal: All students will be taught by teachers qualified to use technology for instruction.

Research Question: What is the impact of TnETL implementation on school-wide improvement in organization and school climate?

Finding: Collectively, the participants were generally supportive and positive with regard to levels of school organization and climate in the Program schools.

Overall, the project was successful. Anytime that technology flows seamlessly through instruction, there is success. Teachers’ attitudes grew more positive toward technology. Students were more engaged in their learning, which was evidenced through the outcomes of the problem based learning situations. The school climate was perceived to be better during the course of the study. The observations and surveys supported the hypothesis that when technology is used as a tool, student performance increases and improves.