DOES THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM INCREASE STUDENTS‟
OVERALL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE?

A Thesis
Presented to the Faculty in Communication and Organizational Leadership Studies
School of Professional Studies
Gonzaga University

Under the Supervision and Mentorship of Dr. Heather Crandall

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies

By
J. Mariah Brown
December 2011

Technology in the Classroom 2
Abstract
Technological advances and a decrease in the cost of technology have resulted in nearly
93 percent of public schools classrooms in the United States having access to the Internet, and a considerable increase in educational programs that incorporate technology into the curriculum
(North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 2005). Due to the prevalence of technology in the classroom, the effectiveness of such programs has become a prevailing research topic amongst social scientists. This thesis reviews past research and provides an analysis of relevant studies conducted within the last ten years. Using Daft and Lengel‟s media richness theory as a basis, this meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the effect of technology enhanced learning (TEL) programs on K-12 students‟ overall academic performance and factors that can increase the effectiveness of such programs.

Technology in the Classroom 3

Technology in the Classroom 4

Table of Contents
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………….……5
The Problem…………………………………………………………………………………....5
Importance of the Study………………………………………………………………………..6
Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………………………….7
Organization of Remaining Chapters………………………………………………………..…7
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE……………………………………...……9
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….……9
Philosophical Assumptions and