Technology
Technology is a research-based measure from the Tell Them From Me surveys. It is a source of evidence linked to What works best and the School Excellence Framework.
What is it?
Technology in the classroom refers to the use of computing devices for instruction. This includes a broad variety of technologies, including social media, digital devices and communicative technology, creating new opportunities for student learning and new challenges for educators.
The Tell Them From Me surveys ask teachers about how they incorporate the use of technologies into learning opportunities for students. They are asked for what purpose students employ technology during lessons, such as to gain feedback or monitor progress, or to facilitate the analysis or organisation of information. The results are reported as teachers' average score for technology.
Why is it important?
Technology can improve student learning. It can provide unique opportunities for learning that would otherwise be unavailable for students. Teachers are an important factor in the successful integration of technology in the classroom and despite teachers' perceptions of the importance of integrating technology in the classroom, technology is often not used effectively for learning. Technology is particularly useful as a tool for providing students with immediate feedback on their learning.
School improvement links
| School Excellence Framework element | What works best theme |
|---|---|
| School resources | Explicit teaching |
| Feedback |
Evidence base
Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. New York: Routledge.
Hew, K. F., & Brush, T. (2007). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55(3), 223-252.
Hutchison, A., & Reinking, D. (2011). Teachers’ perceptions of integrating information and communication technologies into literacy instruction: A national survey in the United States. Reading Research Quarterly, 46(4), 312-333.
Lefevre, D., & Cox, B. (2016). Feedback in technology‐based instruction: Learner preferences. British Journal of Educational Technology, 47(2), 248-256.
O’Bannon, B., & Judge, S. (2004). Implementing partnerships across the curriculum with technology. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 37(2), 197-216.
Preston, J. P., Moffatt, L., Wiebe, S., McAuley, A., Campbell, B., & Gabriel, M. (2015). The use of technology in Prince Edward Island (Canada) high schools: Perceptions of school leaders. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 43(6), 989-1005.
Explainers of the Tell Them From Me measures have been produced in collaboration with The Learning Bar. The Tell Them From Me measures are provided by, and remain the intellectual property of, The Learning Bar. The explainers can also be found online within the Tell Them From Me portal. Tell Them From Me and TTFM are trademarks of The Learning Bar.