Pennie Hoard
phoard_wp@yahoo.comETEC 557
April 27, 2002
Butzin, Sarah M. (Summer 2001). Using instructional technology in transformed learning environments: an evaluation of Project CHILD. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 33(4), 367-73.
This study compared standardized test scores for a group of K-2 grade students, and a group of 3-5 grade students. In each of the age ranges, one school implemented Project CHILD in their instructional plan, and the other did not. Project CHILD is a K-5 instructional model that uses classroom computers and hands on learning stations. Teams of three teachers work with students across three grade levels for three years. Each classroom contains a computer station with at least three computers, a textbook station for written work, and many exploration stations for hands-on learning. A teacher station is also included so that the teacher is allowed to work individually with a student or with small groups of students. The results of the study concluded that Project CHILD students scored higher on all test comparisons than the non-Project CHILD group.
Since Project CHILD is a computer center hands-on learning environment, I feel that technology in the classroom is very important. If the results had conveyed that there were not increases in all areas then there might be areas of concern regarding the validity of the study. However, they did not. Seeing these results not only increase my awareness of how important technology in the classroom is, but it makes me strive harder to implement it. I plan to inform teachers of these results so they can see how important technology is in the classroom.