Date of Award

12-1997

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a one school year educational technology staff development program for kindergarten through grade six classroom teachers in the Grand Forks Public School District. The research population included teachers from all 13 elementary schools in the district.

The pre-post survey instrument was cooperatively designed by Grand Forks Public School District technology personnel and the researcher. The pre-post survey results measured (a) statistical changes in teacher comfort level, perceptions, and teacher and student technology experiences; (b) problems encountered and technology implementation; (c) preferred technology staff development; (d) influences on teaching; (e) teacher perception of student benefits; and (f) teacher recommendations for future technology staff development programs.

The pre survey data from kindergarten to grade six were compared with post survey data. The Chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance on the first four research questions. The responses from the six remaining open-ended research questions were categorized according to content.

The research data indicated an overall effectiveness of the technology staff development program. The research revealed statistical significance (ranging from p < .005 top < .05) on increased teacher and student technology comfort level, improvement in teacher technology perceptions, and increased teacher and student technology usage. Additional teacher benefits included expanded knowledge, technology resource awareness, increase in curriculum integration of technology, and parent awareness of classroom technology experiences.

Teacher-perceived student learning benefits included increased technology experiences, increased knowledge, improved comfort level, independence, and motivation. Additionally, teachers believed technology presented expanded learning opportunities and also preparation for the future.

Teachers identified technology-related problems as organization, technical difficulties, and need for staff development. Overall, there was a decrease of problems encountered by teachers on the post survey.

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