Lesson 9
Karin Porter

Assignment 1 - Undertake an Internet search of websites addressing issues of cost-effectiveness and cost benefit analysis of educational technology.

The Costs of Incorporating Information Technology in Education
Brian M. Tissue
http://www.chem.vt.edu/archive/chemconf97/paper04.html

This paper discusses the costs and benefits of incorporating computer and network technology in science education. Obvious costs, such as the costs of hardware, of integrating technology with science are discussed. In addition, costs that are less obvious, such as the change in the use of the classroom, labs, and student study time as students learn technology skills in addition to science concepts.

Effectiveness
The Costs and Effectiveness of Educational Technology - November 1995
James Kulik, Bill Hadley, Dexter Fletcher and Luis Osin
http://www.ed.gov/Technology/Plan/RAND/Costs/costs4.html

In this article James Kulik, Bill Hadley, Dexter Fletcher and Luis Osin provide different ideas on the effectiveness of student learning using computer technology for limited and well-defined curriculum objectives.

Cost benefit and effectiveness issues in the introduction of educational technology
John Mitchell
http://www.hi.is/~joner/eaps/WH_DE_Cost8.htm

In this article by John Mitchell, he raises numerous issues regarding cost benefits and cost effectiveness of education technology. He provides examples of instances when cost benefit and cost effectiveness analysis are useful in planning.

Investing in Learning with Information & Communication Technology
Gordon Doughty and Robin Shaw
http://www.elec.gla.ac.uk/TILT/cbtalk/cost_benefit_talk.html

This site is an outline of the presentation given by Gordon Dougherty and Robin Shaw. The presentation discusses improving quality, cost and time, as well as evaluating benefits and costs. Cost effectiveness is as also discussed along with the benefits for no extra cost.

Affordable / Costly - Costs to the Education Institution
http://www.rcc.ryerson.ca/learnontario/idnm/mod5/mod5-2/mod5-24.htm

This site is actually a module for a course on Instructional Design for the Ne Media, which is a part of the Instructional Design for the New Media project initiated by Learn Ontario/L' Ontario apprena. This module describes various costs related to electronically-delivered courses. In addition, the authors of this module emphasize the effects of the bad practice of not offering support for instructors in developing and implementing on-line courses.

Assignment 2 - Develop a list of "pros" and "cons" for investing in new telecommunications technologies as part of the educational enterprise.

Pros:

... Potentially improve learning
... Provides greater access to information
... Increases productivity
... Allows for the sharing of resources
... Allows for greater access to education

Cons:

... Challenges teachers to instruct their students in the use of the new technology without losing the underlying concepts when time is already limited in the classroom
... Increases information available but that can cause distractions from the actual goal of the learning activity
... Requires the training of the staff which can be costly in terms of both funds and employee time
... Requires careful planning and implementation which requires time

Assignment 3 - Develop your own particular position on technology as an effective instructional tool

I believe technology can effectively improve learning in all classrooms. We have already seen how technology can tear down the walls of the classroom so that students can experience real-life problems, communicate with others around the world, and access unlimited resources that have not been available in the classroom without technology. Although, I do not believe that technology is being utilized to its fullest potential today. I believe the lack of training and time to work with the new technologies is the causes of technology not being used to its potential in the classroom. Instructors not only need hands-on time to learn how to use the hardware and software, but must also be provided with integration training and time to develop exceptional lessons. In addition, educators must be willing to think out of the box to provide new educational opportunities with the technology available. This can be very challenging in today's classroom.

Technology can be an effective instructional tool, but we, as educators must ensure that these tools are available to all students. Technology can be costly, especially if implemented correctly. Just as there are no guarantees that minorities, as well as all students, will receive an excellent education. There is also no guarantee that minorities will be provided with the same opportunities to learn from technology as other students. We must find ways to ensure that minorities are offered with the same opportunities with technology as all students