Implementing SynchronEyes to Increase Student Focus and Performance.
David M. Jones
University of Maryland University College
This capstone project was focused on addressing the problem that teachers have getting students to stay on task while using computers in a classroom lab setting.
This portfolio was created as a final project for my Master of Education in Instructional Technology through the University of Maryland University College in Adelphia.
The Capstone Project is the culmination of this degree and is meant to showcase the skills and knowledge a student has acquired during his or her coursework.
It is fitting that this a culminating project since it arose from a pervious assignment in a class here at UMUC where I was helping a Technology Coordinator and her staff to write a Technology Plan. There were complaints from teachers who taught in the computer lab about students who were engaged in other activities outside the lesson plan. I thought this would be an ideal challenge to search for a technology based solution solution that help teachers keep students focused and would result in higher achievement
The project has five phases derived from the Technology Integration Planning Model designed by Dr. Margaret D. Roblyer and is described in her book Integrating Educational Technology in Teaching. (2006) Each phase outlines a series of steps to help make planning and implementation of the project more efficient and successful. Below are the 5 Phases.
The Technology Integration Planning Model
- Phase 1 - Relative Advantage
Indentifying an instructional/teaching problem and deciding if it is worth it to use a technology based solution as compared to more traditional methods. - Phase 2 - Objectives and Assessments
Outlining the objectives and assessments to be used in the technology based solution that will show students have indeed learned the content material. - Phase 3 - Integration Strategies
Selecting the best course of action in order to deliver the content material through the most appropriate technology based solution. - Phase 4 - Instructional Environment
Ensuring that the essentials are in place that support and permit the tutor to conduct the technology based solution. - Phase 5 - Evaluation and Revisions
Revisiting the entire process from start to finish determining what went well (achieved outcome and goals) and where improvements may be needed based on classroom data.