Date

11-2010

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

Kathie C. Morgan

Primary Subject Area

Education, Administration; Education, General

Keywords

21st Century Tools, Gifted Learners, Mathematics, SMART Board, Technology

Disciplines

Gifted Education

Abstract

This study examined whether SMART Board technology increased growth in mathematics performance of fourth grade gifted students. Gifted students in North Carolina were studied to determine if the use of SMART Board technology during mathematics instruction impacted their growth on standardized state tests. The sample consisted of 175 students from six elementary schools with similar populations. Three of the schools used SMART Boards during mathematics instruction, and three schools did not use SMART Board technology. All students were taught the mathematics curriculum according to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The instrument for evaluating growth was the state End-of-Grade mathematics test. A formula developed by the state's Accountability Department was used to compare third grade mathematics results to fourth grade mathematics results to determine the degree of growth for each student. The results did not indicate significant growth among gifted students who received instruction using SMART Board technology. This study was limited by the small sample of gifted students who did not receive instruction with a SMART Board. Schools, in this district, matching the specific demographics of the sample are equipped with SMART Boards and utilize them during instruction. Due to this limitation, further research regarding the use of creative technologies to stimulate and challenge the brightest learners is warranted.

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