This article explores the use of digital tools to enhance learning through the use of technology, specifically as an enhancement to regular classroom practices. Consideration was given to the relationship between the use of digital technologies and student learning, the level of rigor expected of each student, and the overall effectiveness of the…

With ongoing efforts in the United States to further develop the availability of computer science education in the public schools, federal, state, and local educational agencies are increasing efforts to encourage and promote the inclusion of computer science and programming skills in the middle school curriculum (Grover, Pea, & Cooper, 2015).…

This study explored the impact of computer-assisted interventions on academic growth in reading comprehension. Participants in this study were middle school students in a West Tennessee charter school system. The investigation aimed to determine if students, both general and exceptional learners, would have a difference in academic growth scores…

Guided by the theory of differentiated instruction, this quantitative study evaluated the effectiveness of Achieve 3000, a technology-enhanced program for differentiating reading instruction. Achieve 3000 was fully implemented with fidelity in a local middle school that has a large percentage of advanced learners. Archived reading scores of 120…

Last spring, the Covid-19 pandemic upended routines for over 56 million students and challenged more than 3.7 million teachers in over 130,000 schools nationwide to continue educating kids in an online format. This transition to "virtual learning" was understandably trying for all educators, schools, and districts, but some managed to do…

With ongoing efforts in the United States to further develop the availability of computer science education in the public schools, federal, state, and local educational agencies are increasing efforts to encourage and promote the inclusion of computer science and programming skills in the middle school curriculum (Grover, Pea, & Cooper, 2015).…

A kindergarten teacher used action research to examine how literature, audio books, homework, and Apple iPod Shuffles can be combined to encourage and improve literacy at home. The research participants consisted of 16 kindergarten students in Middle Tennessee and their parents. The kindergarten students took home a tote bag with the following…

This study compared persistence rates and academic performance between community college students in traditional classes prior to a college-wide tablet initiative, and community college students using tablets at the same community college following a college-wide tablet initiative. The business problem addressed in this research is the low levels…

Under a hybrid emporium instructional model, students primarily learn content and skills at their own pace through a computer-based platform; during class time, faculty serve more as tutors facilitating individual learning rather than as traditional lecturers. This study evaluates the adoption of this technology-centered instructional model in…

This paper shares the perceptions of a group of 11 successful online students regarding the value of the collaborative learning community that developed as part of their participation in the first cohort of the WebIT online Master of Science Degree in Instructional Technology program, at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville during 2008-2010.…

"Odyssey® Math" is a web-based program developed by Compass Learning® for mathematics instruction in grades K-8. The online program includes a mathematics curriculum and formative assessments designed to support differentiated and data-driven instruction. Based on assessment results, the program generates an individualized sequence of…

In this paper, the authors discuss a portion of the design research process of developing an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for classroom use. The goal of this ITS is to simultaneously provide automated support for student learning and generate diagnostic information for teachers that can lead directly to actionable recommendations for pedagogy…

This study investigated the effectiveness of the Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) system as a method of strategic intervention in after-school settings to improve the mathematical skills of struggling 6th grade students. Students were randomly assigned to after-school classrooms in which they either worked with ALEKS to improve…

The gap among ethnicities and gender in mathematics achievement is a well-known problem. While the gap has been shrinking over the past three decades, it has not completely diminished (Jencks & Phillips, 1998; McGraw, Lubienski, & Strutchens, 2006). The ALEKS, Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces, tutoring system is one promising…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a site-based technology coach program over the course of three years on teachers' perceptions of their implementation of NETS-T in a Tennessee school system. The study was a causal comparative study in which ten elementary schools had a site-based technology coach and ten elementary schools…