Abstract The twenty-first century is all about technology, including the classroom. From IPADS, smartphones, Chromebooks, and scientific calculators, more districts are turning classrooms into “twenty-first century” classrooms. Not long ago classroom technology consisted of the teacher’s computer and an overhead projector. As a high school teacher, I understand the need to change with the times to make learning fun and creative. However, is turning all classrooms into “twenty-first century” classrooms beneficial to all students? Technology in the Secondary Classroom; Student Achievement or Student Distraction? During my research journey of technology in the secondary classroom, I have been anxious to see what the research really proves. …show more content…
(1) What are the effects of technology on student engagement? Hypotheses: Increasing uses of technology in the secondary classroom help students stay engaged. (2) What effects does technology in the secondary classroom have on student retention? Hypotheses: Student retention may decrease due to the lack of knowledge of how to use the technology or may get distracted by the technology and not retain the knowledge that is needed for success. (3) How does the purpose of technology in the classroom act as a motivating factor for students? Hypotheses: Students will be motivated to learn in the classroom setting due to the differential instruction. (4) How is technology in elementary classroom used differently than technology in a secondary classroom? Hypotheses: Technology usage is increased in elementary over secondary usage due to cost to districts. My overall testable null hypotheses for this study is that it will show the increasing use of technology in the secondary classroom helps students stay engaged, but it does not help students retain all of the information needed to be successful. The testable null hypotheses solely come from my own personal experiences’ as well as a selective prior research to this