Summary for computer paper

Accomplished Teachers, Integrating Computers into Classroom practice. Sheingold/Hadley

This is a report based on a survey of teachers who used computers in their classrooms in 1990.

As early as 1990 teachers have seen the benefits of using computers in their classrooms. Sheingold and Hadley conducted a survey of teachers using computers as part of thier teaching plans. Based on the findings of this study, Sheingold and Hadley concluded that teachers were devoting "considerable time and effort to teaching with computers in thier classrooms" (6). The authors feel that that the use of computers within the classrooms of the surveyed teachers had a positive effect on the students' education. Teachers felt higher expectations from students when computers were used. This report also notes teachers feeling that they could cover more complex material with the class when they were using computers. With as positive feedback as they received from teachers, they still note that five or six years of teaching with computers was needed to master computer-based teaching techniques. The study finds that teachers also encounter problems when faced with inadequate amounts of hardware. Extra planning time computer-based lessons also presents challenges to teachers. The study's final finding is that the teachers with the most technology resources believe they need more to accomplish the full potential they see possible.