West Virginia Story: A Great Example for A Fruitful Implementation of Educational Technology
- Satrih
- Oct 12, 2020
- 3 min read
West Virginia Story is a statewide study that took five years long to collect data from 18 elementary schools to see the correlation between the using of technology and student achievement in scores on a standardized testing named Stanford-9. The study believes that there are three basic components that would highly influence the result, which are computer software that focuses on Basic Skills (reading, writing, and math), the availability of computers at schools, and teachers professional development. These components were believed to be correlated with variation in scores achievement. Therefore, the analysis on scores achievement was based on three components as well i.e. access, attitude, and training. Meetings and discussions were held to make the best decision on what kinds of samples would be used and to avoid bias based on student group divisions in order to achieve a maximum accuracy of the study result. All students from the 18 schools that represented four geographic areas became the sample. Besides geographic areas, the sample was also selected based on technology practice or experience rather than just the availability of the technology itself. The data collected quantitatively as well as qualitatively. The quantitative data was taken from test scores files and survey, while the qualitative data was taken from field documentation, study analysis and interviews with school principals and teachers. It was a correlational study without a control group, all the samples received same facilities and resources, hence the expected result would not be causational. Rather, the study just wanted to see how the using of technology correlates with the student test scores achievement.
The result of the study was significant. Student test scores achievement improved 11%, teachers who initially used computers only to follow the mandated curriculum changed into more enthusiastic teachers who used computers for their own comfort and benefits. The improvement correlated more with access or experience, attitude, and training. Despite not having computers at home, students could improve with computers in classrooms. Teachers became more confident in giving instructions with computers in classrooms rather than just in labs. Regarding family background, it only proved that those who had much longer experience or exposure to computer improved more, while others also improved based on how much they had experienced so far.
As a study, West Virginia Story is a great example. It clearly established the foundation of its analysis very well right from the very beginning. Instead of simply believing a notion that technology has influenced all aspects of human life and that it is a solution for all problems, the study prepared every possible related matter so well and relatively complete. Instead of trying to show just what or why, the study tried to show how. I applaud the study for paying serious attention to the three basic components mentioned above that clearly showed an awareness of the importance for keeping them in balance. By carefully selecting computer software that promotes basic skills as mandated in the curriculum, providing an equal chance for computer access to everyone, and encouraging teachers professional development or trainings, West Virginia Story showed a full awareness and understanding of the problem with standardized testing particularly, and with all other school problems that we have today. Like in my first forum post, I personally believe that there should be more West Virginia Stories. I am extremely pleased for knowing this study story in the course and I believe that a developing country like Indonesia should make similar changes in its schools.
I also read that West Virginia Story used “per-student entitlement strategy rather than a grant strategy (p. 17)” to fund its initiative, which is also an excellent and possibly the best funding strategy to me. So, my question for the study is, would it still be possible to conduct a similar study if “a grant strategy” was the only available one? And would it give the same result?
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