Technology and Achievement Gaps:Computers in the Biology Classrooms

Jennifer Sills

Towson University, Summer 2010

Educational Leadership and Technology

2009 Biology HSA Performance Status

Grade 12- 90%

Grade 11- 79.8%

Grade 10- 83.7%

AFG Action Plan Target for 2009- 96.4%– Grade 12 compared to target = -6.4%

2009 Biology HSA- Subgroup Comparisons

50% of Special Education students

32% of African American students

27% of FARMS 7% of White

students

First-time Test Takers v. Re-testers: 2009-2010

Spring 2009 Biology HSA Administration– First-time Test Takers = 84% pass rate– Re-testers = 33% pass rate

Fall 2009 Biology HSA Administration– First-time Test Takers = 77% pass rate– Re-testers = 26% pass rate

Spring 2010 Biology HSA Administration– First-time Test Takers = 89% pass rate– Re-testers = 64% pass rate

Bridge Plan Students 2009-2010

Demographics 8/10 African American 5/10 Special Education

Project Needs Reliable internet access Word processing Excel- spreadsheet/graphing PowerPoint Science laboratory equipment/space

AFG Action Plan: Objective 1- HSA related

“By the year 2017, the students of Snow Hill High school will demonstrate improved academic performance with no difference being attributed to race, gender, special education, ELL or FARMS status as illustrated in the following measurements:”

– 1E: HSA First-time test-takers– 1F: HSA Re-testing students – 1G: HSA Graduating class

Objective 1- Technology related

1H.1- require each student to create a product using technology

1H.2- infusion of technology use into instruction

Current AFG Concerns

Student HSA scores are not meeting yearly targets

Gaps exist between demographic subgroups Re-testers are continually unsuccessful Bridge projects are time consuming and

require resources Bridge projects do not satisfy AYP

Current School Computer Access

1 classroom mobile lab (20 working laptops) 1 mini-mobile lab (12 working laptops) 12 media center computers 10 computer lab computers

Our Proposal

8 classroom computers per classroom– Adequate memory, speed, hard drive space for

current technologies– Flat screen monitors– Wireless mice/keyboards

1 printer/scanner per classroom 8 microphone headsets per classroom

Why?

Currently 6 total working desktops between the three biology/ environmental science teachers (2 in each room)

Classroom computers are outdated Inadequate access to school mobile labs and

computers

Mrs. Sills’ classroom is used for Bridge, remediation, and intervention– 10 Bridge students/15 Bridge projects– 10 re-testers for remediation– Average 15 intervention students/week

Beyond the Bell/After School Academy

How will the computers be used?

HSA remediation/review– Online HSA course (Desire2Learn)– HSA practice site– Online simulations/tutorials

Bridge Plans/projects Class projects

– Slowmation and Digital Storytelling – Podcasts and Vodcasts

Class lessons/lab activities– Online lab simulations and animations– Webquests– web 2.0 tools (wikis, blogs, VoiceThread, Jing, Preezo,

GoAnimate, etc.)

Benefits for Students and Teachers

More differentiated instruction Computers available after school Options for advanced/accelerated students Resources for special education students Easily monitor small group activities Increased exposure to web 2.0 tools Eliminate lab/computer scheduling conflicts

Technology has been integrated into Bloom’s Taxonomy

Easy and direct access to computers allows students to move from LOTS to HOTS

Research Findings: Technology and Student Achievement

Increases achievement for students at all levels Increases student-teacher interactions Increases cooperative learning and collaboration Increases student problem-solving and inquiry skills Decrease student absenteeism Especially effective for at-risk populations Creates more positive attitude toward learning

Measuring Progress and Assessing Success

Biology County Benchmark scores Biology HSA scores # of Bridge participants # of intervention/remediation participants Student surveys Samples of student work Samples of teachers’ lessons

NSTE Standards

Teachers 1- Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity 2- Design and develop digital age learning experiences 3- Model digital age work and learning 5- Engage in professional growth and leadership

Students 1- Creativity and innovation 2- Communication and collaboration 3- Research and information fluency 4- Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making 5- Digital citizenship 6- Technology operations and concepts

Maryland Educational Technology Plan Objectives

Objective 1: Improve student learning through technology

Objective Improve staff’s knowledge and skills to integrate technology

Objective 4: Improve equitable access to appropriate technologies– 4.1: One high performance computer per student

at the secondary level

Professional Development

Topics Introduction/training for web 2.0 tools Introduction/training for new software/ hardware Team planning time for lesson sharing Desire2Learn training Continued monthly AFG Data Team meetings

Individuals Involved Biology teachers Administrator(s) Technology Coach Librarian Data Team members

Adult Learner Concerns

Flexibility Purpose/Personal Impact Positive Feedback Support

My Role in the Process

Collaborative Partner Mentor Instructor

Funding Sources

Adopt-a-Classroom Grant Program Technology Inspired Le@ding Store Donatio

ns Grant (Best Buy) Computers for Learning Program National Christina Foundation

Bibliography

Accreditation for growth action plan. (2010). Snow Hill High School Action Planning Team Members.

Glencoe Online: Teaching Today. (2000-2005). Differentiating instruction: meeting students where they are. Retrieved from

Education World Current Grants. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/grants/additional_grants.shtml

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). The ISTE national educational technology standards and performance indicators for teachers. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

Maryland State Department of Education, MSDE. (2009). 2009 MSA maryland state report card. Retrieved from http://msp.msde.state.md.us/

Maryland State Department of Education. (2007). The maryland education technology plan for the new millennium. Retrieved from

Maryland State Department of Education. (2007). The maryland education technology plan for the new millennium. Retrieved from http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/C3BAD835-6100-484C-8397-85279EB95A34/13485/TechPlanFinalfromPrinter73007.pdf Protheroe, N. (2005). Technology and student achievement. Retrieved from

The National Academies: Advisers to the Nation on Science, Engineering, and Medicine. The concerns-based adoption model (CBAM): a model for change in individuals. Retrieved from http://www.nationalacademies.org/rise/backg4a.htm