Technology integration and its impact on 21st century learning and instruction: a case study

2016-04-22With the implementation of Common Core State Standards and the incorporation of technology standards, the demand for a transformative educational change has never been more imperative. However, recent studies prove there is a gap between instructional practices and the quality use of technology in the curriculum. Many educators implement technology as a productivity tool rather than utilizing it to transform their teaching to the new 21st century standards. This case study examined the dynamics of a private middle school that actively integrated and implemented technology in curriculum and instruction. The study addressed four research questions: How do educators at “School X” integrate technology to support students’ learning? To what factors do educators at “School X” attribute their knowledge of instructional technology skills and pedagogy to utilize technology as an instructional tool? In what ways are educators at “School X” provided support for technology integration and implementation at “School X”? The data was analyzed based on the SAMR and TPACK framework model of technology integration. The SAMR is a hierarchical model that identifies the low- or high-level use of technology integration. The TPACK model described the content, pedagogical and technological knowledge needed to integrate technology into the 21st century curriculum effectively. This study found a high-level use of transformational practices at School X and the following five themes emerged from the data: Student-centered instruction approach to teaching and learning, the impact of school culture, technology-driven administration, shared leadership, and ongoing professional development. As educational leaders engage further into the 21st century, a focus on learning will be vital to the process of integrating transformational technology practices as we move through an era of constant change