Abstract Technology is an increasingly important topic in the progress of education today. Educators are referring to students being able to learn through technology as a 21st century classroom. Throughout this literature review, the idea of integrating technology into classrooms was explored. Specifically the focus was on middle school level students and if the integration of technology is beneficial to increasing student understanding of curriculum. The literature revealed two common themes, teacher responsibility and student responsibility. Teacher’s responsibilities are to have knowledge of technology available, train to use technology properly, plan lessons accordingly, and integrate technology into the classroom. Student responsibilities included proper use of technology, knowledge of basic computing skills, being engaged in the process and achieving understanding of the curriculum. Through the review of the literature, it became known that there is a distinct correlation between student engagement and technology and with student understanding and technology. Technology was integrated into all core subject areas successfully, therefore, the idea that one subject area will benefit more than another is inconclusive. In addition, the best type of technology for student understanding was also unfounded. technology, 21st century classroom, integration, middle school, understanding, Keywords: curriculum, responsibility, engagement, cores subject areas
Abstract Technology is an increasingly important topic in the progress of education today. Educators are referring to students being able to learn through technology as a 21st century classroom. Throughout this literature review, the idea of integrating technology into classrooms was explored. Specifically the focus was on middle school level students and if the integration of technology is beneficial to increasing student understanding of curriculum. The literature revealed two common themes, teacher responsibility and student responsibility. Teacher’s responsibilities are to have knowledge of technology available, train to use technology properly, plan lessons accordingly, and integrate technology into the classroom. Student responsibilities included proper use of technology, knowledge of basic computing skills, being engaged in the process and achieving understanding of the curriculum. Through the review of the literature, it became known that there is a distinct correlation between student engagement and technology and with student understanding and technology. Technology was integrated into all core subject areas successfully, therefore, the idea that one subject area will benefit more than another is inconclusive. In addition, the best type of technology for student understanding was also unfounded. Keywords: technology, 21st century classroom, integration, middle school, understanding, curriculum, responsibility, engagement, cores subject areas
blakec_educ518_literaturereview.docx