Emma Jones

ETEC 562
Article Review 1
Article Review 1
Regarding instructional technology, I chose to review the article titled Use of
Instructional Technologies in Science Classrooms: Teachers Perspectives. The article discusses
the use of instructional technology in science classrooms. With technology on the rise, the use is
becoming more and more popular in the classrooms. Classrooms are being provided with
interactive smart boards, iPads, printers, projectors, and computers with high speed internet
access in order for teachers to implement technology based instruction. There seems to be much
debate and concern as to whether technology disrupts teachers beliefs, and whether it creates
proficiency in preparation of instruction.
A study included in the article provides a close analysis of 63 teachers lesson plans, and
explanations for the use of technology within their lesson plans. Science tends to be a subject
that many students struggle to grasp. Therefore, the methods of teaching science need to be very
carefully planned, without becoming time consuming. The study in the article indicates that the
computer software program PowerPoint is the instructional technology utilized the most by
teachers in their lesson plans. Surprisingly, the least used instructional technology appeared to be
animations. Children are enthralled by animation, which led me to believe it would be used more
often in lessons. Another finding within the article research that is shocking is that none of the
participants used internet, spreadsheets, educational software, interactive smart boards, or
computer simulations in their lesson plans. After reading such shocking results, I cannot help but
wonder if the teachers chose not to use the instructional technology due to their lack of
experience with them.

Emma Jones
ETEC 562
Article Review 1
Results of the study indicated the reasoning for why each form of instructional
technology was or were not used. Participants who chose PowerPoint presentations explain that
it provides visuals, saves time, increases retention of knowledge, promotes active participation, is
user friendly, and grasps the students attention. Sadly, the only reasoning participants gave for
choosing textbooks is that it helps the students understand the content, and that it is economic.
The participants that chose blackboards backed their reasoning by explaining that helps students
with solving problems. Finally, as I had anticipated, one of the participants in the study expressed
interest in the use of smart boards and tablets, but is turned off by the idea due to lack of
experience with using them.
The article insists that barriers for making instructional decisions can be created due the
lack of knowledge and skill with certain instructional technology tools. With that said, it is
imperative that teachers become more knowledgeable and comfortable with the tools and skills
provided in order to reach a variety of educational possibilities. I believe that the more educated
a teacher might be in instructional technology, the more positive the learning environment will
be.

Emma Jones
ETEC 562
Article Review 1

Reference List
SAVACI AIKALIN, F. (2014). USE OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES IN SCIENCE
CLASSROOMS: TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES. Turkish Online Journal Of
Educational Technology, 13(2), 197-201