Opinion and Practice in a Tech-Successful Elementary School: The 21st Century Classroom

Abstract

Web-based connectivity technologies have changed the very nature of learning and inquiry. Technology-integrated 21st century classrooms require that teachers adopt new roles, shifting toward critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication. This study examined teachers' opinions regarding integration of web based teaching tools into K-5 classrooms. Data were gathered through teacher interviews, collecting examples of websites used by teachers, recognizing common themes in successful technology integration, identifying benefits of technology integration for students, and clarifying professional development that teachers considered most beneficial. The sample was drawn from a Tucson, Arizona elementary school. Teachers' comments reflected a culture of strong support for technology integration with 21st century learning goals, and the need for more effective tools designed to help them search for and integrate web-based resources and share their successes or challenges with other teachers through digital learning communities or collaborative online professional development platforms.