Technology for Teaching and Learning

A research study claims that a group of students who used a computer-based technology product tended to perform better on standardized tests than students who did not use the product. In analyzing the scientific validity of this study, which of the following is the most important question to ask first?

• Did the students have the same amount of preparation time prior to taking the standardized tests?

• Did the two groups consist of students who were equivalent in terms of ability and background?

• Were the students instructed using a student-centered or a teacher-centered approach to learning?

• Were both groups of students allowed to use the product while taking the standardized tests?

A teacher is interested in using technology to expand students' understanding of the process of scientific inquiry. Which of the following student activities would most effectively meet this goal?

• using simulation software to design and conduct investigations

• using the Internet to participate in virtual field trips

• using the Internet to research recent scientific discoveries

• using database software to organize scientific data

A middle school teacher has one computer in the classroom that is connected to the Internet. Which of the following would be the most effective plan for student use of this computer?

• having students use the computer as a reward for superior performance

• having students use the computer to practice basic computer skills

• having students use the computer to complete drill-and-practice activities

• having students use the computer for research activities

A social studies teacher is introducing students to the Internet as an information resource. The teacher begins by presenting a lesson on how to use a Web browser. Which of the following would be the most effective next step for this teacher to take?

• Have students find and download software that relates to the class.

• Have students post a question to a social studies newsgroup.

• Have students do a "treasure hunt" in which they search for answers to questions from a prepared list.

• Have students begin doing independent research on topics of their choice.

Which of the following activities would be most effective in improving students' skills in critically analyzing Internet-based information?

• using an electronic dictionary to look up vocabulary words

• evaluating news-related Web sites for objectivity

• using an online encyclopedia to find information for a research paper

• learning to use Web-browsing software

A student who has difficulty concentrating and has a low tolerance for frustration is planning a science research project that will include a final presentation. Which of the following educational technologies is most likely to benefit this student?

• an assistive listening device

• text-to-speech software

• a large keyboard for input

• graphic organizer software

In a classroom in which educational technology has been effectively integrated, which of the following is the most appropriate role for student portfolio assessment?

• using students' work to examine their progress in meeting learning objectives

• assigning grades to individual projects using a weighted grading system

• reinforcing decisions based on more traditional methods of student assessment

• determining whether computer-based instruction has improved students' content knowledge

When evaluating software designed to be used independently by students, it is most important to determine whether the software:

• has multiplatform capabilities.

• has an abundance of graphics

• is easy to navigate

• integrates audio, text, and video.

Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when selecting a digital encyclopedia for classroom use?

• the copyright status of the included material

• the capability to display full-color graphics

• the ability of the software to block access to objectionable material

• the ease of use and effectiveness of the search capabilities

A sixth-grade teacher is evaluating a software program that requires students to design a riverboat and use it to successfully complete a journey. Along the way, students must obtain supplies and overcome a variety of obstacles. This type of program is most useful for fostering students':

• ability to use abstract reasoning

• critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

• ability to reason by analogy

• cooperative learning and teamwork skills.