Teachers in program more computer proficient

An evaluation of a Michigan wireless computer program that provides laptops and other technology to educators and students has found that teachers in the program are using computers more in their teaching and have become more technologically proficient.

In addition, many of the teachers who piloted the initiative in 2002-03 believe that their students are spending more time on their homework and are attending class better prepared as a result of the “Freedom to Learn” program.

The evaluation was conducted by MSU’s Center for Teaching and Technology, and involved surveying more than a 1,000 teachers, principals, technology coordinators, parents, and students in those districts where the program was implemented.

The state launched Freedom to Learn in 2002 in an effort to infuse technology into Michigan’s K-12 schools by providing teachers and students wireless technology, such as laptops and handheld devices like Palm Pilots. The program’s goal is to improve student achievement in core academic subjects.

The state awarded $7.5 million in grants to 15 school districts, intermediate school districts, independent schools, or consortia of schools across Michigan to pilot technology-based projects as part of the program. Michigan Virtual University (MVU) administers the program with the state Department of Education.

The evaluation, commissioned by MVU, found that more than 60 percent of the teachers who responded to the survey reported using computers more than 10 hours a week, while about 30 percent of the teachers reported this level of use before their involvement in Freedom to Learn.

Sixty-six percent of the teachers who responded reported that they had noticed that students’ parents had become more involved with their children’s schooling, and the same percentage believed that their students were spending more time on their homework and were better prepared for class.

More than 90 percent of parents who responded to the survey said they were excited about the program, and 80 percent said they believe that Freedom to Learn will help make their children better students.

“These are some encouraging findings in terms of the program’s initial impact on teachers and students,” said Yong Zhao, director of the Center for Teaching and Technology. “It’s important to point out, however, that it’s impossible to make any judgments about the program’s long-term effects on student academic performance.

“But all in all, I think it is fair to say that the program has encouraged teachers in their use of technology in their classroom activities, and it appears to have engaged students.”

The survey also revealed, however, that 32 percent of principals and 47 percent of technology coordinators who responded to the survey believe that Freedom to Learn will have a positive or very positive impact on student scores on the MichiganEducationalAssessment Program (MEAP) tests.

It also appears that teachers are not receiving adequate instructional support. Only about 28 percent of teachers reported that instructional support for using technology is mostly or always available.

Mark Urban-Lurain, director of instructional technology research and development in MSU’s Division of Science and Mathematics Education and who co-directed the evaluation, said that the report highlights areas that need to be dealt with if the project is expanded statewide.

Among the issues highlighted are:

• Schools and districts will need to implement new policies and procedures. Nearly half of the schools, for example, do not allow students to use e-mail, limiting the ability of technology to serve as a communications tool.
• Current school technology infrastructure may need to be upgraded. Only half the schools had a mail server, for instance. Schools and districts may need to add technology to support and manage projects.
• Schools should find a way to allow teachers time to experiment with technology. The vast majority of teachers reported they were “busy” or “overwhelmed.”

School districts and consortia participating in the 2002-2003 demonstration phase of Freedom to Learn included:

• Alpena Public Schools
• Berrien Intermediate School District
• Chelsea School District
• Detroit Public Schools
• Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District
• Flint Community Schools
• Gladwin Community Schools
• Kaleva Norman Dickson School District
• Lansing School District
• North Dickinson County School District
• North Star Academy
• Onsted Community Schools
• Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
• Vanderbilt Area Schools
• Zeeland Public Schools

Copyright 2001 Michigan State University Division of University Relations.