Supporting Meaningful New Learning Opportunities Through Technology in High-Poverty Schooling Contexts

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

While technology access is improving in many low-income schools, access to the rich learning opportunities that these tools can promote remains more elusive. This session seeks to unpack this dilemma: what does it take to bring not just technology but meaningful improvements in teaching and learning to schools in impoverished settings? The session is based on research and practice of a large-scale initiative that brought 1:1 iPads and extensive related support to 114 schools in a variety of high-poverty contexts. Papers presented by the research lead and by principals of two schools in very different community settings will illustrate the diversity of the term “underserved,” and promote discourse about what it takes to support substantive instructional improvement in high-poverty contexts.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction / Division C - Section 3b: Technology-Based Environments

Chair

• Barbara M. Means, Digital Promise

Papers

• Implementation and Outcomes of iPad-Supported Learning Across Diverse High-Poverty Schooling Contexts - Linda F. Shear, SRI International; Andrea D. Beesley, SRI International

• Box Elder School: The Story Is Being Written - Julie MacDonald, Box Elder School District; Jeremy MacDonald, Box Elder Schools

• Thomas Jefferson Elementary School: Defying Stereotypes - Sal Aquino, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

Discussant

• Louis M. Gomez, University of California - Los Angeles