The Impact of Computers on Student Performance and Teacher Behavior.

This paper reports on a 3-year computer initiative implemented by a school district in a metropolitan area. The initiative began in 1996 and continued through 1998. The school district of 44,000 students funded 5 computers and an ink jet color printer in each elementary classroom in 34 schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the initiative on student achievement and teacher behaviors. Data were collected through teacher surveys and standardized test scores. The first conclusion supported by the findings is that student achievement can be influenced by the appropriate integration of computer technologies into instruction. Students with access to computer aided instruction had increased standardized reading test scores. Different findings were noted for mathematics and writing. It is possible that the relationship between the initiatve and improved reading scores was influenced by intervening factors not measured in the study. Researchers also concluded that teachers' ability to integrate technology-assisted instruction into their classroom routines could be influenced by staff development and technology support. An implication from the analysis is that implementation planners should find ways to assist teachers in classroom management and positive external reinforcement schemes. (Contains 12 tables and 6 references.) (SLD)