ERIC Number: EJ842997
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Sep
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1315
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Implications of an Experimental Information Technology Curriculum for Elementary Students
Ching, Gregory S.
Computers & Education, v53 n2 p419-428 Sep 2009
The information technology (IT) of today forms an integral part of everyday living, thus the nurture of children's IT awareness early in life is crucial. Young children have an innate curiosity for IT which suggests that in the school environment it can easily be integrated with other subjects in thematic and interdisciplinary curriculum. This quasi-experimental study used the Technology Foundation Standards for Students of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) project on National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) as the basis to design a thematic and interdisciplinary IT curriculum for elementary students. A total of 1273 elementary students and 12 computer teachers were separated into either a control or experimental group. After one academic year, students' final scores in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and art were gathered and compared. Statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the experimental group's academic scores. Findings also suggested that an interdisciplinary curriculum design opened opportunity for collaborative work and cohesiveness among faculty. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to examine the long-term implications of a thematic and interdisciplinary IT curriculum design. (Contains 12 tables.)
Descriptors: Experimental Groups, Curriculum Design, Information Technology, Statistical Analysis, Educational Technology, Longitudinal Studies, Educational Environment, Elementary School Students, Interdisciplinary Approach, Quasiexperimental Design, Control Groups, Scores, Cooperation, Faculty, English Instruction, Social Studies, Art Education, Mathematics Instruction
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A