Classroom Dynamics in a Technology-Rich Environment.

I enjoyed this reading as I am interested in learning more about the effects of students' learning in Digital Classroom learning environments. The findings certainly seemed promising for increased student engagement and motivation within the classroom.

* Students could investigate topics they found interesting.
* Small groups could work together cooperatively.
* The students were so involved in their learning, researching, investigating it allowed the teacher more time to move around the classroom, catering for differentiated learning.
*The learning environment allowed the teachers to become a "facilitator" of learning. The teachers in many situations were learning alongside the students. Teachers are becoming good role models by demonstrating to their students that learning should be a life long process.

Comments by teachers:

"My students were more cooperative working on computers than in past group activities"
"Students were engrossed in their learning"
"Individual instruction was fostered by the technology-rich environment"

All teachers reported that this learning environment created a "student-centred learning atmosphere".

Teachers believed that there was an academic improvement in the scores from the results the students recieved last year on the same topic, without the use of technology.

Teachers believed this learning environment was more effective because:
* The skills the students needed to use promoted higher-order thinking.
* The set projects were able to cater for individual learning needs - Not a "one size fits all approach to learning".
* Student co-operation and collaboration improved, resulting in students improvement as problem solvers.