Computers making a difference?.....

In our PLC book study during professional development, a question was raised on whether or not the computers are making a difference with student learning?  Certainly, the question is a difficult one to explore and is debatable, because "student learning" can be measured many different ways and on several levels.  However, in our conversation, we discussed student behavior and referral count. Theory would have it, if behavior referrals are down, students are following expectations. In turn "teaching and learning" and I would believe students are engaged with their learning.

With the help of our MS guidance counselor, we explored this a little deeper and looked at the MS students' behavior referral data for the year.  As data would illustrate, we found our amount of referrals for this school year have reduced significantly.  Also in the data, late assignment incident numbers have reduced a great deal as well.


Below is a snapshot of what the data illustrates.

Office Referrals/Interventions - As of Feb 24, 2011

Late assignment referrals - As of Feb. 24, 2011

Whether the computers are the direct means for the improved numbers, it is debatable.  But I would like to think there is a direct correlation.