Description:
The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to explore the effects of technologies designed for whole class use on third grade students’ engagement in learning activities. The technologies investigated included a document camera, wireless writing pads, and a student response system, all of which were linked to a presentation system enabling large screen display. Data was collected related to several lessons utilizing each of these technologies (as well as several baseline/no technology lessons) from a single third grade classroom in northeast Ohio. Data sources included structured classroom observations, student self-reports, teacher interviews and student focus groups. Quantitative data was compared among lessons grouped by technologies employed using analysis of variance, and significant differences between groups were revealed. Post hoc analysis of the observer ratings found significant differences in whole class engagement between lessons employing the student response system and all others, indicating greater observed engagement when this technology was used. Post hoc analysis of the student ratings found significant differences in engagement between lessons employing the student response system and all but those employing the wireless writing pads (although these approached significance), providing support for the observational findings. The quantitative results suggest that whole class engagement can be increased by technologies that afford greater participation of all students. Qualitative data support these findings.