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Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
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| formerly Journal of Research on Computing in
Education |
Volume 38 Number 1 Fall 2005
Raising the Bar on Technology Research in English Language Arts
M. L. McNabb
Learning Gauge, Inc.
Editor's Introduction
This special issue has focused on research about the uses of
technology for teaching and learning in K–12 classrooms or with
K–12 learners. This is a wonderful special issue, but as the
editor, it has been surprising how few studies were submitted, reviewed,
and accepted that meet the focus of the issue. Additionally, during a
recent panel discussion on educational research at NECC 2005, audience
members’ comments provided some interesting thoughts about this
type of research not being “valued” or easy to conduct.
These simultaneous reflections have brought up some questions that our
community may wish to think about:
- In many ways it is not easy to conduct research in our schools or
with young learners due to the messiness of classrooms, the complexity
of students’ access to technology throughout their “away
from school” lives, and the ethical issues of disadvantaging some
learners.
- Our literature base is far from clear on best practices, and
frequently research studies replicate other studies that found “no
significant difference.” Not surprisingly, the results continue to
be the same and we appear not to move forward in our understanding.
- We seem to continually re-learn that substantial efforts and
systemic supports are required for the vast numbers of teachers to use
technology in innovative and instructionally sound ways.
The article by McNabb, “Raising the Bar on Technology Research
in English Language Arts,” was an attempt to begin a dialogue
among the research community to identify what we do know about using
technology in various content areas. Although it does not present new
empirical data, it does offer the reader one researcher’s
perspective on technology in literacy and language arts. You may wonder
where I hope this will lead. It is my intention to encourage others to
submit focused articles such as this for the next several issues of
JRTE. As always, I welcome your input, suggestions, and
contributions to the dialogue JRTE is attempting to encourage and
support.
-- Lynne Schrum
lynne.schrum@ed.utah.edu
 Download
the full article PDF (PDF, 106 KB, PDF instructions)
Contributors
Dr. McNabb is the director of Learning Gauge, Inc., providing program
evaluation and professional development services related to uses of
technology in support of students’ academic learning.
Contact
mlmcnabb@msn.com
Copyright © 2005, ISTE (International Society for Technology
in Education). All rights reserved.
| language arts, K-12, NECC 2005, questions posed by the education community |
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