Interactive SMART Board Techology: Does it Promote Individual Student Academic Achievement?

Abstract

The purpose of this two-phase, sequential mixed methods study will be to explore academic stimulation with the intent of using this information to develop and test an intrinsic relationship between SMART Board technology and academic achievement. The first phase will be a qualitative exploration of student stimulation by collecting observational data within a high school mathematics classroom. Themes from this qualitative data will then be developed into an instrument so that the integration of SMART Board technology in Math Education can be compared to student stimulation and academic achievement. The integration of technology in education is very controversial. Is technology essential to promote student development? The integration of technology is widely seen as a differentiated approach toward teaching pedagogy. However, there is a lack of consistency in the evaluation of technology. This study is important to both the worlds of general education and mathematics education. There is a gap in information and findings regarding technological contributions to the academic sti1nulation and successes of students. Many claims have been made supporting the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom. This study will measure technology as a tool impacting student stimulation and academic achievement. This study is intended to develop answers to questions teachers may have about the link between technology and academic successes in the classroom. The goal of this study is to provide a better understanding of the impact of technology, SMART Board specific, on educational enhancement and development.