Evaluating the use of technology

There are two types of evaluations that teachers can perform when evaluating the use of technology in their classroom, namely formative evaluations and summative evaluations.

Formative Evaluations

A formative evaluation is typically performed during the early implementation stages of technology. It asks questions related to the process of planning and implementation. For example, a formative evaluation may ask:

• Was the technology equipment that was ordered received on time?
• Is it necessary to provide training to teachers and students on how to use the technology?
• Which technology skills do teachers and students need to use the technology?
• Did teachers and students receive training on how to use the technology?
• Was the technology incorporated into the classroom?

Summative Evaluations

A summative evaluation  is performed to assess the impact of technology on teachers' and students' performance outcomes. Most of the information is collected after technology has been implemented in the classroom for a reasonable period of time. A summative evaluation asks questions related to performance outcomes. For example:

• Have teachers' and students' technology skills improved following training?
• Have teachers increased their use of technology in the classroom?
• Has technology improved teachers' instructional delivery?
• Has technology increased students' motivation?
• Has technology increased student engagement?
• Has technology increased students' performance?

REFERENCES

e-learning @ BC

Grabe, M., & Grabe, C. (2007). Integrating technology for meaningful learning (5th ed.). NY: Houghton Mifflin.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Maloy, R., Verock-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Park Woolf, B. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson.
Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2009). Integrating educational technology into teaching (5th. ed.) New York: Prentice Hall.
Sharp, V. (2009). Computer education for teachers: Integrating technology into classroom teaching (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.