Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 1

Effects of Education Technology in Low

Socioeconomic Communities

Diego Rincon

The University of Texas at El Paso

 Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 2

Abstract

Education Technology is one of the current instructional approaches to facilitate learning in

basic and high education levels. The implementation of this method in low socioeconomic

communities increases academic improvement in schools and higher level institutions.

Additionally, more educational resources are available to basic level students with scarce

economic resources, as well as opportunities to pursue graduate studies. A recorded interview

with Bowie High School Social Worker, Claudia Andrade, was conducted to attain further

information about the effects of technology in low socioeconomic communities. Results of the

interview with Andrade provided information about academic improvement and opportunities to

students. Subsequently, it was concluded that the implementation of technology did affect

academic performance through the implementation of new educational methods. The following

literature review will answer questions focused on the concept of Education Technology and its

effects on low socioeconomic communities. Throughout the literature review, the efficiency of

technology in education and its influential factors will be discussed.

 Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 3

Education Technology in Low Socioeconomic Communities

Technology in schools with low socioeconomic communities does not meet the expected

level of academic improvement sought at the beginning of its implementation. However,

educational growth is directly affected by the student and the capacity of teachers and instructors

to communicate information quickly and efficiently throughout lectures. Subsequently, the

effectiveness of educational networks is questionable due to lack of significant results in

academic improvement caused by the low number of users in these networks and its occasional

use. Nevertheless, initiatives have been taken from several school districts to proportionate

students with portable electronic devices such as tablets and laptops to extend learning outside of

school.

El Paso Independent School District has joined the initiative of providing laptops to

students. However, there are more disadvantages involved in this kind of initiatives, as the loss

or permanent damage to the given equipment can make the student fall behind in class.

Furthermore, students make improper use of the equipment and lack autonomous practice habits,

increasing the gap to fulfill the goals established by current educational initiatives. The

effectiveness of technology in educational environments is still discussed and requires

consideration of the following review questions:

1. What is Educational Technology?

2. How is the implementation of Educational Technology improving academic performance

in schools?
3. Which benefits does Educational Technology offer to students?
4. What are further improvements to be made in Educational Technology?
 Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 4

To answer these questions and explain the specific purposes and benefits of technology in

schools, an interview was conducted with Bowie High School Social Worker, Claudia Andrade,

over the effects of technology in education.

What is Education Technology?

Understanding the constitution and primary purpose of Educational Technology is

important to understand its effects in school. Education Technology exists as a problem-solving

system that facilitates all aspects of learning (Luppicini, 2005). Furthermore, the main purpose of

Educational Technology according to Bowie High School Social Worker Claudia Andrade is, to

create a 21st-century approach to help students become effective learners. However, creativity

is necessary for the mindset of teachers due to technology existing as a tool that facilitates

learning and whose efficiency depends on the educational methods used by the teacher.

Learning methods have been influenced and rapidly changed by technology, posing

significant challenges to educators. The introduction of technology in education has not been

addressed correctly in teacher capacitation, professional development, and educational policy

(Henriksen, Mishra, & Fisser, 2016). The addressing of these educational needs through the

implementation of new training programs and policies improves academic sustainability in

schools. Subsequently, the application of real-world teaching methods with the aid of

technology creates original learning content (Henriksen, Mishra, & Fisser, 2016). Ultimately,

technology oriented teachers improve academic performance on students by challenging solve

problems in a creative manner and apply knowledge outside the classroom.

 Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 5

How is the Implementation of Educational Technology Improving Academic Performance

in School?

Several methods are being used to improve academic performance in schools. Claudia

Andrade, Social Worker at Bowie High School, articulates that the implementation of smart

boards in the classroom is the most efficient approach of Education Technology in high school.

Students are challenged to participate more frequently as well as becoming more efficient in

class. Further implementations of Educational Technology in schools such as the TI

MathForward Program improve academic performance in math and has proved to be effective in

impoverished schools (Fitcher, 2012). Furthermore, the implementation of wireless networks in

school has increased the number of graduates in high schools (n.p., 2013). Several electronic

resources and made available to students, as well as materials to extend learning outside of

school. Consequently, academic performance in schools increases and several opportunities are

available to students.

Which Benefits Does Educational Technology Offer to Students?

Resources and opportunities are more accessible to students from low socioeconomic

backgrounds today. Concerning scholarships and opportunities for higher education, Andrade

made mention of the Bill Gates Foundation Program, which has made possible graduate studies

for several Bowie High School students. As digital learning becomes widely used, the traditional

education system must adapt to higher instructional methods to prepare students for college.

However, digital learning depends on independent learning and responsibility. Similarly, Delen

and Jeffrey (2016) state that, when students use strategies that are related to self-regulation, they

can regulate their personal functioning and benefit from the online learning environment. Other

alternatives to college are vocational training programs imparted by the Work Force
 Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 6

Commission. In the current world, college and capacitation programs for middle-skill jobs are

available to students; however, the student must be responsible and hard-working to reach those

opportunities.

What are Further Improvements to be Made in Educational Technology?

Issues in Educational Technology are yet to be solved to improve the effectiveness of the

current educational methods in schools. Third party providers in schools have constant

confrontations with the U-challenge; the use of technology by teachers to cope with low-

performance rates, and substituting it with old technology later (Passey, Laferriere, Ahmad,

Bhowmik, Gross, PriceShonfeld, 2016). Additionally, equipment provided to students, such as

laptops and tablets do not only extend learning but also distract and reduce academic

performance on students. However, studies made by Zucker and Hug (2008) show that the

implementation of laptops in Physics help students understand concepts and save time setting the

labs. Nevertheless, technology is not perfect, and technical issues will persist in several

communities other than school. Therefore, it is important that teachers have a creative mindset to

solve these issues to maintain time efficiency and learning in the classroom.

Conclusion

Academic improvement in schools located in low socioeconomic communities is greatly

influenced in a positive manner by the implementation of technology when creative educational

methods are applied. Additionally, opportunities for higher education studies are available to

basic education students with scarce economic resources. Further research may include

comparisons between advanced and basic level education methods to discuss which approaches

are more efficient to improve academic performance in students.

 Running head: EFFECTS OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY 7

References

Delen, E., & Liew, J. (2016). The Use of Interactive Environments to Promote Self-Regulation in

Online Learning: A Literature Review. European Journal Of Contemporary Education,

15(1), 24-33. doi:10.13187/ejced.2016.15.24

Henriksen, D., Mishra, P., & Fisser, P. (2016). Infusing Creativity and Technology in 21st

Century Education: A Systemic View for Change. Journal Of Educational Technology &

Society, 19(3), 27-37.

Luppicini, R. (2005). A Systems Definition of Educational Technology in Society. Journal Of

Educational Technology & Society, 8(3), 103-109.

Fincher, S. (2012). TI MathForward Program Improves District-wide Scores. Education Week,

31(21), 17.

Passey, D., Laferrire, T., Yazbak-Abu Ahmad, M., Miron, B., Gross, D., Price, J., & ... Shonfeld,

M. (2016). Educational Digital Technologies in Developing Countries Challenge Third

Party Providers. Journal Of Educational Technology & Society, 19(3), 121-133.

WHY WIRELESS?. (2013). Tech & Learning, 33(7), 23-27.

Zucker, A., & Hug, S. (2008). Teaching and Learning Physics in a 1:1 Laptop School. Journal Of

Science Education & Technology, 17(6), 586-594. doi:10.1007/s10956-008-9125-3