Technology and Student Motivation

Running Head: Influence of Technology on Student Motivation

A SURVEY OF FACULTY AND STUDENTS CONCERNING INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON

STUDENT MOTIVATION IN THE CLASSROOM

By

Megan Hughes

Submitted to

The Educational Leadership Faculty

Northwest Missouri State University Missouri

Department of Educational Leadership

College of Education and Human Services

Maryville, MO 64468

Submitted in Fulfillment for the Requirements for

61‐683 Research Paper

Spring 2012

Submission Date: Summer 2012

 Technology and Student Motivation
2

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to analyze the opinions and perceptions of teachers and

students concerning the influence of technology on student motivation. The research includes

findings that answer the questions, “Is technology use in general a motivating factor for

students?” and “Is technology being effectively utilized in the classroom by educators?” The

research was conducted using an anonymous survey distributed through Google Docs to

teachers and students at one Midwestern high school. The findings were analyzed through

Microsoft Excel and A Statistical Package (ASP) software. Findings indicate that there is not a

major difference between teacher and student attitudes concerning the concept of student

motivation as related to the use of technology in general terms, but there is a significant

difference in attitudes about the effect on motivation of using advanced technology, rather

than just basic forms. In addition, students and teachers differ in their opinions of the

effectiveness of current technology use in the classroom, regardless of its status as a motivating

factor. Further training in effective utilization of technology in the classroom may be necessary

for many educators, especially those with more than 10 years of teaching experience, to make

sure that motivation is not stunted by improper use of technology in the classroom.
 Technology and Student Motivation
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INTRODUCTION

Background, Issues and Concerns

A high school located in the Midwest, hereafter referred to as PHS, is part of a suburban

district that has had substantial growth over the past 25 years, from around 6,000 students in

1987 to more than 10,000 students in 2012. However, the growth has slowed in recent years,

adding only 1,000 total students in the last 8 years. PHS itself has a population that continues to

grow, with a 2011‐2012 population of 1551 students. As the number of students continues to

grow, so does the need for technology as a tool for a variety of purposes. The ongoing

maintenance and cycling of current technologies in schools continues to be a large financial

commitment for the district. The current student to computer ration is 2.6 to 1, a number that

has decreased since implementing laptop carts in 2006‐2007. The Board of Education has

approved a study to be completed by an outside firm during 2012 to analyze the climate for an

increased in technology access and potential implementation of a 1:1 Technology Device

initiative in coming years. Because of this increase in technology use, this project was

developed to survey faculty members and students from PHS on their opinions related to

technology. The analysis of the results will differentiate between students and faculty

members. It will also differentiate in the number of years of service of faculty members who

respond to the survey.

Practice under Investigation

The practice under investigation is how to best motivate students in the classroom

utilizing technology.

School Policy to be informed by Study

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Teachers at PHS are required to utilize and maintain technology tools in their classrooms

to better help and engage their students. These include everything from hardware like SMART

Boards and MOBI devices to online sites like BlackBoard and Twitter. Teachers are provided

with professional development centered around the use of technology and teachers are seen as

up to date in their instructional strategies if they can effectively integrate technology into their

classrooms. While many strategies are used to generate student motivation, technology is

often referred to most and additional research may inform that practice.

Conceptual Underpinning

Psychologist Abraham Maslow broke ground on the idea of motivation when he created

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, ranging from low‐level‐‐Physiology, then Safety/Security/Health‐‐

to higher‐level‐‐Love, Self Esteem/Recognition and Self‐Actualization. The desire to meet the

various levels of needs creates different levels of motivation that depend on a certain

personality or goal. Psychologist Alfred Bandura expanded this idea beyond simply doing tasks

to meet certain needs into his Social Cognitive Theory. At the center of his Theory is the

concept of self‐efficacy which plays a role in how one approaches goals, tasks and challenges.

People will be more inclined to enthusiastically take on a task if they believe they will succeed‐‐

the definition of high self‐efficacy (Omrod, 1999). Sharon Andrew applied that theory to

students and found a connection between self‐efficacy and productivity (Andrew, 2002).

Because students of this generation have life‐long experience with technology, they have

confidence in using it and its incorporation may increase self‐efficacy, thereby increasing

productivity.

Statement of the Problem

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As more and more technology is integrated into daily classroom use, there is a lack of

understanding about the best way to utilize it to positively influence student motivation.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to ascertain student and faculty opinions about the

effectiveness of technology as a motivational classroom tool. The information gained will help

educators have a better idea of how to motivate students and use technology effectively in

their classrooms, both on a day‐to‐day basis and for special projects.

Research Questions

RQ 1: Does technology serve as an effective way to motivate students?

RQ 2: Is there a difference of opinion between what teachers and students think about

how technology effectively and consistently motivates students?

Null Hypothesis

HO. There is no difference of opinion between students and teachers in how technology

effectively and consistently motivates students.

Anticipated Benefits of Study

The result of this study will inform teachers about how to effectively motivate students,

and whether or not technology should play a part in that process. It will help school officials

know what training teachers should have in technology and what types of technology might be

most effectively motivational.

Definition of Terms

DESE: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

NETS: National Education Technology Standards

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P21: Partnership for 21st Century Skills

CCSS: Common Core State Standards

Summary

PHS is a high school in a Midwestern suburban school district. Classroom procedures

consistently utilize a variety of technological tools for a variety of purposes, and teachers are

provided professional development to increase their skills in the use of technology. The

research investigates the use of technology in the classroom and its potential influence on

student motivation. The research also looks at the perceptions and ideas of both teachers and

students about that use. Finally, the research looks at whether there is a difference between

student and teacher perceptions of technology as a motivation tool for students in the

classroom setting.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

In Alfred Bandura’s explanation of his Social Cognitive Theory, he outlines a variety of

different factors that influence achievement and learning, but one in particular is the idea of

self‐efficacy, otherwise known as self‐confidence toward learning. As Bandura explains,

students are more likely to engage in certain behaviors when they believe they are capable of

executing those behaviors successfully. Therefore, they are more motivated to take on tasks

they have confidence in succeeding in and put more effort into activities and behaviors they

consider to be successful in achieving (Omrod, 1999).

This social cognitive theory was put into a model of motivation and cognition by Pintrich

and his colleagues, emphasizing various cognitive and motivational constructs emphasizing the

self in a “situation‐specific” learning behavior, driven ultimately by individual motivation

(Pintrich and Strauben, 1992). In addition, throughout his additional research, Pintrich

emphasized task value beliefs as positively related to self‐regulated learning. “Students who

believe that their course work is interesting, important and useful are more likely to report the

use of self‐regulatory strategies” (Pintrich, 1999, 462. Though key findings were discovered

connecting self‐efficacy to self‐regulation, Pintrich (1999) emphasized the need for additional

research on how classroom practices can be changes to foster adaptive motivation and self‐

regulation.

Using Pintrich’s model as a basis for research, Sharon Andrew (2002) examined the

effects of self‐efficacy and motivation on productivity of nursing students. She found that the

task value that Pintrich (1999) had focused on was the strongest direct influence on students’
 Technology and Student Motivation
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academic performance, establishing a stronger connection between student motivation and

achievement/productivity (Andrew, 2002).

Both Pintrich (1999) and Andrew (2002) concluded that further examination was

necessary, especially in areas regarding specific classroom strategies and their impact on self‐

efficacy leading to higher productivity and achievement. One of those strategies that has been

more recently examined in different fields is the use of technology in the classroom, as its link

to self‐efficacy is clear in the Millenial Generation’s comfort and confidence in the use of

technology. Confidence in the use of technology may lead to confidence in a task, tying back to

Pintrich (1999) and his ideas of task value beliefs in relation to self‐regulation and increased

productivity (Andrew 2002).

Many student benefits from the use of technology in classrooms have been reported,

according to Stepp‐Greany (2002), including “motivation, improvement in self‐concept and

mastery of basic skills, more student‐centered learning and engagement in the learning process

and more active processing, resulting in higher‐order thinking skills and better recall” (165).

Stepp‐Greany (2002) also cited the result of task confidence gained through the use of

technology, tying back to Bandura’s theory of self‐efficacy (Omron, 1999) and Pintrich’s model

of social cognition in relation to motivation (Pintrich and Strauben, 1992). She cites Warschauer

(1996), whose study identified three common factors of student motivation from a technology‐

enhanced setting: communication, empowerment and learning. Communication was driven by

the fact that students like the ability to engage in real communication acts, empowerment

driven by the fact that students were less isolated and less afraid to contact others, and

learning driven by receiving control over learning, enabling them to learn “faster and more
 Technology and Student Motivation
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independently and to write more creatively” and leading to more positive attitudes and

additional confidence in their tasks (Warschauer, 1996).

One study took on technology and motivation specifically in the EFL classroom (Genc

Ilter, 2009). After examining various advantages of the use of technology in foreign language

classrooms, including “students may have a chance to see the real world in classrooms and they

can be motivated easily…creating challenging tasks and activities motivates the language

learners” (Genc Ilter, 2009, 136), the author concluded that students wanted technology used

by their teachers in the classroom, found it more motivational to use it and that foreign

language classes specifically benefited from the use of a variety of types of technology

utilization in the classroom. Genc Ilter referenced several other studies, including Wang (2004),

which said “using computers and every kind of technological equipment gives students the

sense of freedom and encouragement” (Wang, 2004, 156), and Jonassen (2000) which

discussed that technology in the classroom not only positively influences not only the students,

but also the teachers. Genc Ilter (2009) found that technology creates a more meaningful

classroom environment, but warns that solely relying on technology as a strategy does not

guarantee success and student motivation.

Another study focused on technology in the science classroom. Mistler‐Jackson (1999)

examined students of different motivation levels who were given an assignment using

technology as a main tool, and found that the use of technology had a positive impact on

student learning based on increased content knowledge. She highlighted all of the potential

benefits of using technology, including collaboration, authentic experiences, access to

resources and, of course, motivation. Findings included data that supported the idea that
 Technology and Student Motivation
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student knowledge increased by using the KGS technology, with correlations to each motivation

level. “The new methods of communication,” (namely, the use of technology) “in addition to

other facets of the learning environment explored in this study, create opportunities for new

patterns of student participation and motivation” (Mistler‐Jackson, 1999, 460).

However, Na and Chun‐hao (2010) concluded in their research that additional research

must be done to find conclusive results in the ties between student motivation and the use of

technology in the classroom. As they claim, “very little research has been done to find empirical

data to support the connection,” (Na and Chun‐hao, 2010, 26). The authors propose a

cognitive‐situative approach as a more holistic way to examine motivation. However, they

spend point out how difficult it can be to measure the effectiveness of technology since a

classroom is such a complex thing. The authors advocate that a multitude of research needs to

be conducted in order to really find results, especially ones using this new approach.

Bynum (2011) agreed with their studies after examining best practices associated with

using social media for educational purposes in the classroom to engage students. In order to be

effective in doing so, new and different approaches must be taken by educators. “Because

students spend an inordinate amount of time on computers, they need to be engaged in the

classroom in new and different ways that embrace that” (Bynum, 2011, 6). He highlights

potential downfalls of the use of technology, including the digital divide and a lack of training

many teachers may have.

This issue of the new digital divide is brought up in a great deal of research, including

that of Hargattai (2011). He examined the digital divide as not just whether a student has

Internet access, but also whether or not students have online skills—what he refers to as
 Technology and Student Motivation
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“second level” digital divide (Hargattai, 2011). Vaidhyanathan (2008) had similar findings in his

research, citing that though kids have grown up with technology, they may not be as

technologically inclined or educated as many would believe. He said that though members of

his so‐called “tech generation” use tools like Google, Facebook and YouTube, they do not use

them to their full potential or understand their power despite being “digital natives”

(Vaidhyanathan, 2008).

The research of these two solidifies the idea that just because someone has access does

not mean they know how to use the technology, pushing the digital divide far beyond simple

access. In relationship to the classroom, that means that students and teachers both need

training in how to use the technology for it to be an effective tool and/or source of motivation

in the classroom.
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RESEARCH METHODS

Research Design:

A non‐experimental, one‐time survey served as the research design. The alpha level was

set at 0.25 for all tests with this research. The independent variable was whether a participant

was a student or a teacher. The survey measured the results of several dependent variables

involving student motivation. Tests run included plot frequency and Chi Square analysis.

Study Group Description:

The student group for this research consisted of PHS faculty members, ranging from 2 to

25 years of experience, and PHS students, ranging from 9th through 12th grade.

Data Collection and Instrumentation:

An anonymous questionnaire was distributed via Google Docs to all staff members of

PHS and students in two 9‐12 elective classrooms. The questionnaire had specific questions for

teachers, and specific questions for students, respectively. Questions were similar in nature to

allow for an understanding of attitudes and perceptions of the teachers and students surveyed.

Questions were answered with a “yes” or “no.” The survey remained open for a one‐week

period. 24 teachers and 27 students responded to the survey. Responses automatically posted

to an Excel spreadsheet. Words were recorded as numbers in answers so that the statistical

analysis could be completed.

Statistical Analysis Methods:

A Statistical Package (ASP) software was used to complete the statistical calculations in

this study. Additionally, Microsoft Excel was used to compile some totals used in the research.
 Technology and Student Motivation
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FINDINGS

To determine the attitudes and perceptions of teachers and students, a separate survey

with similar questions was given to teacher and students. However, each survey began with a

question that asked teachers to identify their years of experience and student to identify their

year in school, the answer of which could affect the rest of a respondent’s answers. The

numbers, percentages and graphs were obtained through an Excel worksheet.

Figure 1: Teacher Experience

Teacher Respondents by Years of

Experience

1 to 3
3 to 5
5 to 10
10+

Table 1: Teacher Experience

Experience (Years) Number of Respondents

1 to 3 2 8.33%

3 to 5 4 16.67%

5 to 10 8 33.33%

10+ 10 41.67%

TOTAL 24 100.00%

Figure 1 and Table 1 show the breakdown of the number of years of service of the
 Tech
hnology and SStudent Motivvation
14

teachers who respon

nded. The highest number of responnses came frrom teachers with 10 or

more yeaars of teaching experience, with 10, or 41.67% oof responden

nts. 2, or 8.3
33% of the

responde
ents, indicated that theyy are in years 1‐3 of servvice. 4, or 166.67% of the respondentts,

indicated
d that they are
a in years 3‐5.
3 8, or 33..33% of resppondents, haave 5‐10 yeaars of experience,

the secon
nd highest number
n of re
esponses.

Sttudents also
o had to indiccate their grrade in schoool, as their aanswer could
d influence o
other

response
es in the survvey.

Figure 2: Student Graade

Table 2: Student
S Grade

Grade Number of
o Responden
nts

Freshman 2 7.41%

Sophomo
ore 4 14.81%

Junior 8 29.63%

Senior 13
1 48.15%

TOTAL 27
2
 Technology and Student Motivation
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Figure 2 and Table 2 show the breakdown of the grades of the students who responded.

The highest number of responses came from seniors, with 13, or 48.15% of respondents. 2, or

7.41% of the respondents, indicated that they are freshmen. 4, or 14.81% of the respondents

are sophomores. 8, or 29.63% of respondents, are juniors, the second highest number of

respondents.

The next question for both teachers and students asked if respondents used technology

in their classes on a consistent basis. An plot frequency chart was used in ASP (A Statistical

Package) to determine overall usage in the classroom by all respondents, regardless of

teacher/student status.

Table 3

Question: I use technology on a consistent basis in my classes for learning.

VARIABLE: Use of Technology on Consistent Basis

FRQ. CUM. % CUM. FREQUENCY PLOT

x<1 0 0 0 0 ¦

x = 1 41 41 80.4 80.4 ¦************************

x = 2 10 51 19.6 100 ¦******

x>2 0 51 0 100 ¦

TOTAL 51 100

As shown in Table 3, 80% of the 51 total respondents (both students and teachers)

perceived that technology was being used on a consistent basis in their classes for learning

(1=yes), whereas only 19.6% reported that it was not being used consistently for learning

(2=no). Since technology is being used on a consistent basis in an overwhelming majority of

 Technology and Student Motivation
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classes, it is important to continue to analyze data to see if its use is effective and/or

motivational.

As a follow‐up to the previous question, teachers and students were asked if they or

their teachers were implementing strategies to effectively use technology in the classroom.

Table 4

Question: I know and implement/My teachers implement strategies to effectively use

technology in the classroom.

VARIABLE: Effective Use of Technology

FRQ. CUM. % CUM. FREQUENCY PLOT

x<1 0 0 0 0 ¦

x = 1 32 32 62.7 62.7 ¦************************

x = 2 19 51 37.3 100 ¦**************

x>2 0 51 0 100 ¦

TOTAL 51 100

Table 4 shows the overall results regarding whether or not technology is effectively

being used. In Table 3, 80% said technology was being used consistently, yet here in Table 4,

that number drops to 62.7% of respondents (1=yes), when the question comes to effective use,

rather than simple use at all. The number of negative responses (2=no) jumps from 19.6% in

Table 3 to 37.3% in Table 4, indicating that fewer teachers and students perceive that

technology is effectively being used in the classroom. Regardless of this decline, however, still

nearly two‐thirds (62.7%) of respondents believe that technology is effectively being used in

their classes.
 Technology and Student Motivation
17

Because of this decline, additional tests were done to determine if there was a

difference between student and teacher opinions in effective use of technology.

Table 5

Question: I/My teachers implement strategies in my classes to effectively use technology.

Summary of Chi Square Analysis Results‐ Is Use of Technology

Effective?

Source Students Teachers Chi Sq df p‐value

Yes 48.1 % (13) 79.2 % (19)

No 51.9 % (14) 20.8 % (5) 5.22978 1 0.0222

Sig. = or < .25

A chi‐square analysis was completed to compare attitudes of teachers and students

concerning whether technology is being used effectively in the classroom. 19 teachers, or

79.2%, said that they did know and implement strategies to effectively use technology. 5

teachers, or 20.8%, said that they did not. By contrast, only 13 (48.1%) of students said that

their teachers were effectively using technology and 14 (51.9%) of students said that their

teachers were not implementing effective technology strategies. As shown in Table 5, there is a

significant difference (Chi Square (1) = 5.23, p‐value = 0.0222) between teacher and student

opinions on whether technology is effectively being used in the classroom. The null hypothesis

is rejected for this question, as there is a different in opinion between students and teachers

about whether or not they are implementing strategies to effectively use technology.

The fourth question for students and teachers asked whether using any form of

technology on a project or assignment makes students more motivated to complete the task.
 Technology and Student Motivation
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Table 6

Question: Using any form of technology on a project or assignment makes me more motivated

to complete the task.

Summary of Chi Square Analysis Results‐ Is Use of Any Technology

Motivational?

Source Students Teachers Chi Sq df p‐value

Yes 55.6 % (15) 62.5 % (15)

No 44.4 % (12) 37.5 % (9) 0.2529 1 0.6149

Sign = or < .25

A chi‐square analysis was completed to compare attitudes of teachers and students

concerning whether use of any form of technology on a project/assignment increases

motivation. 15 teachers, or 62.5%, said that use of any form motivates students. 9 teachers, or

37.5%, said that any form was not necessarily motivational. By contrast, 15 (55.6%) of students

said that using any form of technology was motivational, and 12 (44.4%) of students said that

simply using any form of technology did not increase motivation to complete a task. There is a

difference in student and teacher opinion when it comes to use of technology as a motivator.

However, as shown in Table 6, there is not a significant difference (Chi Square (1) = 0.2529, p‐

value = 0.6149) between teacher and student opinions on whether use of any form of

technology increases motivation for students to complete a task. The null hypothesis is not

rejected for this question.

An additional question asked students and teachers about motivation in terms of

advanced forms of technology, rather than basic.

 Technology and Student Motivation
19

Table 7

Question: My students are/I am more motivated by using advanced forms of technology than

basic forms (PowerPoint, Word, e‐mail).

Summary of Chi Square Analysis Results‐ Is Advanced Technology

Use Motivational?

Source Students Teachers Chi Sq df p‐value

Yes 96.3 % (26) 87.5 % (21)

No 3.7 % (1) 12.5 % (3) 1.3601 1 0.2435

Sign = or < .25

A chi‐square analysis was completed to compare attitudes of teachers and students

concerning whether the use of advanced technology increases student motivation. 21 teachers,

or 87.5%, said that advanced technology increases motivation. 3 teachers, or 12.5%, said that

they did not. By contrast, 26 (96.3%) students said that advanced technology use is more

motivational than basic forms and only 1 (3.7%) student said that s/he was not more motivated

by using advanced forms of technology. As shown in Table 7, there is a significant difference

(Chi Square (1) = 1.3601, p‐value = 0.2435) between teacher and student opinions on whether

advanced technology use is more motivational for students than basic technology use. The null

hypothesis is rejected for this question, as there is a different in opinion between students and

teachers about the motivating factors of technology.

The final two questions for students and teachers related to training, both in the actual

use of technology and how to implement it effectively in the classroom. Responses were

calculated and charts drawn through Microsoft Excel.

 Tech
hnology and SStudent Motivvation
20

Figure 3

Teacher training
t in how
h to effecttively use tecchnology in tthe classrooom

30

25

20

15 Yes
No
10

0
Teacchers Students

As
A shown in Figure
F 3, 27 students and 24 teache rs responded to the stattement, “I/M
My

teachers need more training in how

h to imple
ement technnology effecttively in the classroom.”” 19

teachers (79.1%) said

d they need more trainin
ng to effectiively use tecchnology and
d 5 teachers

(20.8%) said
s they do not need more
m trainingg. All 27 (1000%) of student respondeents said theeir

teachers need more training in how

h to effectively imple ment techno
ology in the classroom.

The final question also re

elated to the
e need for traaining, askin
ng both stud
dents and

teachers whether they needed additional

a traaining in how
w to use advvanced form
ms of technollogy.
 Tech
hnology and SStudent Motivvation
21

Figure 4

Training in use of advvanced form

ms of technollogy in general

18
16
14
12
10
Yes
8
No
6
4
2
0
Teacchers Students

As
A shown in Figure
F 4, 27 students and 24 teache rs responded to the stattement, “I

need/waant more training in how

w to use advaanced formss of technolo
ogy in generaal.” 11 teach
hers

(50%) saiid they need

d more training to effecttively use tecchnology an
nd 11 teacheers (50%) said
d

they do not
n need mo
ore training. 16 (59%) off student resspondents in
ndicated they

wanted/needed additional trainiing in advanced technol ogy, and 11 (40.7%) of sstudents said
d

they did not need ad

dditional training.
 Technology and Student Motivation
22

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Among the 51 teachers and students surveyed, it was found that 80% perceived that

technology was being used on a consistent basis in their classes for learning—an overwhelming

majority. Since the condition in question was on a consistent basis, it is highly likely that

technology is being used in 100% of classrooms, but not necessarily on what the respondents

considered a “consistent basis.” Because of the fact that technology use is, overall, consistent in

classrooms, it is important that further research be done into its effectiveness. That question

was addressed in the survey, which found that although 80% of respondents were using

technology consistently in their classrooms, only 62.7% indicated that the technology being

used was through effective strategies being implemented by educators.

These results were further analyzed to determine if there was a difference between

teacher and student opinion when it comes to the effectiveness of use of technology in the

classroom. There is a significant difference of opinion concerning whether teachers are

currently implementing strategies in their classes to effectively utilize technology. Teachers feel

that they are effective while students are not as confident. This shows that what teachers and

students see as effective implementation may be different, which warrants further research

into what strategies are most effective to both students and teachers when implementing

technology as a educational tool in the classroom.

Beyond simple use, the survey examined technology as a motivational factor for

students. The null hypothesis stated that there is no difference of opinion between students

and teachers in whether technology effectively and consistently motivates students. The results

of this study indicate that there are areas of significant difference of opinion between students
 Technology and Student Motivation
23

and teachers. There is a significant difference of opinion concerning whether teachers are

currently implementing strategies in their classes to effectively utilize technology, as explained

above. Teachers feel that they are effective while students are not as confident.

In addition, the null hypothesis was rejected when examining advanced forms of

technology use as “more motivational” for students than basic forms, as there is a difference in

opinion between students, who had only one negative response, and teachers, who had several

negative responses. Even though both respondent groups had an overwhelming majority say

that advanced technology was more motivational, there was still a significant difference since

nearly 100% of students indicated it was more motivational.

There was one question where there was not a significant statistical difference of

opinion between teacher and student respondents. This was the major question of the

research, asking if use of any form of technology increased motivation of students to complete

a task. There was a difference in teacher opinion versus student opinion, as more teachers

indicated any form of technology was motivational, but it was not a significant difference, so

the null hypothesis was not rejected.

Finally, in order to further inform the results of the opinion questions regarding use and

motivation, teachers and students were asked about their interest/need in gaining additional

training in how to effectively use technology in the classroom and how to use advanced forms

of technology in general. All 27 students (100%) said that their teachers needed additional

training in how to utilize technology, aligning with earlier findings of students’ dissatisfaction

with technology implementation effectiveness. 79% of teachers believed they needed

additional training, also aligning with the significant difference found between student and
 Technology and Student Motivation
24

teacher opinions in this category. Only half of teachers (50%) said they needed more training in

use of advanced forms of technology, while more students said they needed or wanted more

training. This may be important due to the previously discussed results of advanced forms of

technology being overwhelmingly more effective than basic forms.

There appears to be a lack of understanding (or at least a difference in opinion between

students and teachers) in what constitutes consistent, effective use of technology in the

classroom. This may be subjective judgment based on personal preferences and experiences, so

additional research would bring light to what strategies students and teachers could agree are

effective for learning.

Literature indicated that use of technology in the classroom (in many instances that

included nursing programs, Foreign Language classrooms and science classrooms) increased

student motivation due to a variety of factors that included real‐time interaction, real‐world

application and self‐regulated learning and pacing. The results of this survey tended to agree

with the literature, finding that students were motivated by the use of technology; however, it

was more advanced forms that resulted in more motivation, and only half of students said using

any form of technology made them more motivated to complete a task.

The use of technology in the classroom is one being championed by educators,

administrators, districts and the new Common Core standards that advocate for focus on 21st

Century Skills. As currently practiced, however, many educators are not effectively using

technology in the classroom and students seem to be well aware of that issue. There appears to

be a discrepancy between what teachers believe they are doing well and what students see as

being effective, since this study found that more teachers believe they are effective than
 Technology and Student Motivation
25

students, and that 100% of student respondents indicated their teachers needed additional

training in how to effectively utilize technology. For technology to be a consistent and effective

motivator for students, educators must get more training in using the advanced forms of

education that provide further motivation, as well as learn additional strategies for effectively

implementing technology in the classroom, an area that warrants further examination.

The school district may want to consider an in‐depth study of the effective uses of

technology being done in the building by teachers. This could be done through an additional

survey, observations in the classroom, Professional Learning Communities or other avenue.

Once teachers and/or strategies for effective use are determined, those people could lead

training sessions for the many teachers who are looking for additional strategies for effective

use of technology in the classroom.

Next, because students and teachers are wanting additional training in the use of

advanced forms of technology, the schools will want to train both educators and students (or

educators, who could then train students) in additional forms of technology that go beyond the

basics (e‐mail, Microsoft Office, etc.). For the practice to be utilized best, the schools will want

to ensure that teachers understand how higher forms of technology increase motivation for

students but that using just any form is not necessarily motivational or even effective. If these

steps are not followed, there likely will continue to be differences of opinion between students

and teachers, especially when it comes to how technology is being used effectively in the

classroom.

There are several areas warranting further study. As previously mentioned, students and

teachers disagree about whether or not technology is effectively being implemented in their
 Technology and Student Motivation
26

classrooms; however, the definition of effectiveness and examples of effective and ineffective

implementation were not explored. A study of both students and teachers could again be

conducted, this time focusing more on learning strategies using technology as a tool.

An additional study breaking down the “advanced forms” of technology in terms of

motivation would also prove to be beneficial for educators in terms of determining which tools

they should focus on in training and if there are some “advanced” forms that students find

more motivation than others. Since students said they needed more training in this area, it

would also benefit them if research was done on the technology skills of different

demographics within PHS, as literature has shown us that there is a new digital divide that

educators and administrators need to be aware of when utilizing technology in the classroom.

Finally, it would be interesting to go in more depth in comparing the attitudes of

teachers with fewer years of experience to those with greater years of experience, as age often

influences comfort with and effective use of technology.

 Technology and Student Motivation
27

REFERENCES

Andrew, S. (2002). The relationships among first year Bachelor of Nursing students’ entry

characteristics, self‐regulated learning and academic performance for their science and

nursing practice courses. University of Wollongong Thesis Collections.

http://ro.uow.edu/au/theses/1803 (accessed June 10, 2012).

Bynum, S. (2011). Utilizing Social Media to Increase Student Engagement: A Study of Kern

County Public Schools. California University Department of Public Policy and

Administration. Retrieved from EBSCOHost March 4, 2012.

Genc Ilter, B. (2009). Effect of Technology on Motivation in EFL Classrooms. Online Journal of

Distance Education, 10(4), 28 pages.

Hargattai, E. (2002). Second‐Level Digital Divide: Differences in People’s Online Skills. First

Monday.

http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/942/864

(accessed February 11, 2012).

Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Computers as mindtools for schools: Engaging critical thinking.

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Mistler‐Jackson, M. (1999). Student Motivation and Internet Technology: Are students

empowered to learn science?. Journal of Research in Science Teaching.

http://edt2.educ.msu.edu/DWong/CEP806library/StudentMotivation.pdf (accessed Feb.

16,2012).
 Technology and Student Motivation
28

Na, L., Kang‐hao, H., and Chun‐hao, C. (2010). Cognitive‐situative approach to understand

motivation: Implications of technology‐supported education. US‐China Education Review,

7(5), 8 pages.

Ormrod, J.E. (1999). Human learning (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice‐Hall.

Stepp‐Greany, J. (2002). Student perceptions on language learning in a technological

environment: Implications for the new millennium. Language Learning and Technology.

165‐180.

Vaidhyanathan, S. (2008). Generational myth: Not all young people are tech‐savvy. The

Chronicle Review, September 19.

http://www.justinecassell.com/CC_Winter10/readings/Vaidhyanathan08GenerationalM

yth.pdf (accessed January 27, 2012).

Wang, Y. (2004). English magazines, motivation+ improved EFL writing skill.

English Teaching Forum. January.

Warschauer, M. (1996). Motivational aspects of using computers for writing and

communication (Technical Report # 12; pp. 29‐46). Honolulu: University of Hawai'i,

Second Language Teaching & Curriculum Center.

 Tech
hnology and SStudent Motivvation
29

Appendix A:

Teacher Survey
S

Action Research
h Project Survey
This is a survey for an
a Action Reesearch Projeect for my N
Northwest M Missouri Statee graduate cllass.
All respoonses will bee kept anonymous. Thank k you for takking time to complete thhe survey.

How man
ny years hav
ve you been teaching?
t

 1-3 yearss
 3-5 yearss
 5-10 years
 10+ yearrs

I consisteently use tecchnology in my

m classroom
m for learninng.

 Yes
 No

nd implemen
I know an nt strategies to effectively use technnology in myy classroom.

 Yes
 No

Using an
ny form of technology on
n a project orr assignmentt makes my students moore motivatedd to
completee the task.

 Yes
 No
 Technology and Student Motivation
30

My students are more motivated by using advanced forms of technology than basic forms
(PowerPoint, Word, e-mail).

 Yes
 No

I need/want more training in how to implement technology effectively in my classroom.

 Yes
 No

I need/want more training in how to use advanced forms of technology in general.

 Yes
 No

Continue »

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 Tech
hnology and SStudent Motivvation
31

Appendix B:

Student Survey
S

Action Research
h Project Survey
This is a survey for an
a Action Reesearch Projeect for my N
Northwest M Missouri Statee graduate cllass.
All respoonses will bee kept anonymous. Thank k you for takking time to complete thhe survey.

What graade are you in?

i

 Freshman
n
 Sophomo
ore
 Junior
 Senior

My teach
hers consisteently use tech
hnology in my
m classes foor learning.

 Yes
 No

hers know an
My teach nd implemen
nt strategies to effectivelly use technoology in my classes.

 Yes
 No

Using an n a project orr assignmentt makes me more motivaated to compplete

ny form of technology on
the task.

 Yes
 No
 Technology and Student Motivation
32

I am more motivated by using advanced forms of technology than basic forms (PowerPoint,
Word, e-mail).

 Yes
 No

My teachers need more training in how to implement technology effectively in my classroom.

 Yes
 No

I need/want more training in how to use advanced forms of technology in general.

 Yes
 No

Continue »

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