Connecting Points: Teacher Decision-Making About Student Data-Collection Technology

Abstract

For today's classroom teacher, faced with the prospect of selecting and using data collection technology, a number of questions are emerging, including: 1) Why should my students use this technology? 2) Is the use of this technology appropriate both pedagogically and developmentally? 3) Will the technology persist? 4) Is the use of technology justifiable, given the investment of time (and money) to prepare for its use? 5) How do I choose the type of data-collection technology to use with my students? The article illustrates issues to be considered when addressing these questions. A learner-centered rationale for the use of technology in the science classroom is given. Appropriateness is discussed in terms of standards-driven curricula. Regarding the ‘persistence’ of the technology, a ‘reciprocal evolution’ is suggested, with educator use dictating in part the actual development of new technology. Justifiable and proper use are contrasted. Finally, a comparison is made between various types of data-collection technologies. Teachers and school staff are encouraged to not consider one as ‘superior’ to another, but rather to select carefully based on the educational needs of their students.