Jessica Alvarez
Education 702.22
Fall 2009
Professor O’Connor-Petruso

Abstract
Introduction
-Statement of the Problem
-Review of Related Literature
-Statement of the Hypothesis
Method
-Participants (N)
-Instrument (s)
-Experimental Design
-Procedure
Results
Discussion
Implications
References
Appendix

Jean Piagetconsidered children to be constructors of their own development through their actions.
Erik Erikson- Stage of
Initiative vs. Guilt:
Permitted to explore variety of materials and activities.

Lev Vygotsky:
Children construct their knowledge through structured tasks.
Zone of Proximal
Development
Scaffolding

Years of research has focused on whether computers facilitate learning, especially if students have access to them at home. Many studies have found that home computers are associated with higher test scores in mathematics and reading (Attewell & Battle, 1999;
Jackson, von Eye, & Biocca, 2003; Espinosa, Laffey,
Whittaker, & Sheng, 2006; Tsikalas, Lee, & Newkirk,
2007; Gil-Flores, 2007).
Many parents believe computers should support their children’s learning (educational software, Internet). Yet children spend most of their times playing games that typically are not found in classrooms (Kerawalla &
Crook, 2002; Vryzas & Tsitouridou, 2002; Lauman, 2000;
Subrahmanyam, Kraut, Greenfield, & Gross, 2000;
O’Dwyer, Russell, Bebell, & Tucker-Seeley, 2005; Lai,
Chang, & Ye, 2006).

Playing computer games takes away from other activities with greater developmental value (interpersonal skills; developing “electronic friendships”). Can lead to feelings of loneliness, aggression and/or depression
(Subrahmanyam et al., 2000).
Owning a computer will depend on the child’s socioeconomic status (SES), since the purchase of a computer is a considerable amount that must be figured into the family budget. New inequalities are created on the children of the lower social classes, who find themselves at a disadvantage ; “digital divide” (Jackson ,
Eye, Biocca, Barbatsis, Zhao & Fitzgerald, 2006;
Attewell, Suazo-Garcia, & Battle, 2003; Vryzas &
Tsitouridou, 2002; McCarrick & Li, 2007 ; Clotfelter, Ladd
& Vigdor, 2008 ).

Students with access to computers at home demonstrate an increase level of confidence, comfort, and tenacity when using the computers at school. These students have an advantage because they do not need to learn the basic skills to navigate a computer (Lauman, 2000;
Tsikalas, Lee, & Newkirk, 2007).
Reversal of the traditional parent-child relationship: computer savvy child taking on the role as teacher
(Subrahmanyam et al., 2000).
YouTube The Rookies: Kylie, Age 4 ½
YouTube - Good News - Windows 7 Commercial

HR1: Allotting fifteen minutes a day, during a six week period, to twenty-two first grade students at P.S. X, to use computers (i.e. visiting educational websites) at school, the library or at a friend’s home (with parental permission), will improve their overall Fountas and Pinnell reading level.

Twenty-two first grade students
- twelve boys, ten girls
- age range: 5-6 years
- From P.S. X in Sheepshead Bay,
Brooklyn
Class is a racially mixed-
Caucasian: 8
African Americans: 6
Middle Eastern: 6
Hispanic: 2

Consent form
- explaining the reason for the action research project
- inform principal and parents of method in which students will be studied and assessed
Survey
- background information
- computer access

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Jstor database.
Attewell, P., & Battle, J. (1999). Home Computers and School Performance. The
Information Society, 15 , 1-10. Retrieved from ERIC database. (ERIC Document
Reproduction Service No. 593524).
Becker, H. (2000). Who’s Wired and Who’s Now: Children’s Access to and Use of
Computer Technology. The Future of Children , 10 (2), 44-75. Retrieved from Jstor database.
Clotfelter, C., Ladd, H., & Vigdor, J. (2009, July 29). Scaling the Digital Divide: Home
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Edyburn, D. L. (2006). Evaluate Academic Performance With And Without Technology.
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GilFlores, J. (2007). Computer use and students’ academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.formatex.org/micte2009/book/1291-1295.pdf
Jackson, L. A., Von Eye, A., Biocca, F. A., Barbatsis, G., Zhao, Y., & Fitzgerald, H. E.
(2006). Does Home Internet Use Influence the Academic Performance of Low-
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Service No. 741417).

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Heritage Foundation . Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/research/education/CDA00-08.cfm
Karchmer, R. (2001). The Journey Ahead: Thirteen Teachers Report How the Interney
Influences Literacy and Literacy Instruction. Reading Research Quarterly , 36 (4),
442- 466. Retrieved from Jstor database.
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Retrieved on October 12, 2009 from Teacher Reference Center database.
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