Reaching Diverse Learners in Elementary Science with Instructional Technology

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Murray State University

Second Presenter's Institution

NA

Third Presenter's Institution

NA

Fourth Presenter's Institution

NA

Fifth Presenter's Institution

NA

Strand #1

Academic Achievement & School Leadership

Relevance

Research supports that 21st century learners are “digital natives” that have never known a world without technology. If instructors are able to utilize technology to reach a broader and more diverse group of learners, then students will ultimately benefit. Science is a class that encourages inquiry, and technology can be merged with individual student needs.

Brief Program Description

With the implementation of the common core curriculum in school districts across the country, many teachers are required to integrate technology into classroom lessons. Teachers who embrace technology and utilize it confidently are finding success in reaching diverse learners. The purpose of this presentation is to give teachers strategies for using technology to engage everyone in science instruction, and make it fun.

Summary

I will show teachers how to utilize instructional technology in elementary science to engage all students. This presentation focuses on increasing teacher confidence, structuring learning stations and activities, and providing helpful resources that teachers can take back to the classroom for instruction.

Evidence

I have conducted research in elementary classrooms with teachers on instructional technology. This research was shown to have a positive and significant effect on the teachers involved in the research study. The results, published in my dissertation, "Professional Development of Research-Based Technology Strategies: The Effectiveness of Implementation in the Elementary Classroom" were similar to previous research based in the same field - there was an increase in teacher implementation and confidence. Both students and teachers were able to use instructional technology to create, analyze, and synthesize information more effectively.

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Stephanie Q. Hendrith is an assistant professor at Murray State University, and is the lead teacher for elementary science within the College of Education and Human Services, and also teaches instructional technology to preservice teachers. She received her doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2017, with a dissertation titled, "Professional Development of Research-Based Technology Strategies: The Effectiveness of Implementation in the Elementary Classroom". Prior to working for Murray State, she was a licensed teacher and worked directly with diverse urban students in elementary classrooms.

Keyword Descriptors

instructional technology, diverse learners, elementary, science

Presentation Year

2018

Start Date

3-6-2018 4:00 PM

End Date

3-6-2018 5:30 PM

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Mar 6th, 4:00 PM Mar 6th, 5:30 PM

Reaching Diverse Learners in Elementary Science with Instructional Technology

With the implementation of the common core curriculum in school districts across the country, many teachers are required to integrate technology into classroom lessons. Teachers who embrace technology and utilize it confidently are finding success in reaching diverse learners. The purpose of this presentation is to give teachers strategies for using technology to engage everyone in science instruction, and make it fun.