E-learning is an educational response to educational technology plan, ôGetting AmericaÆs Students Ready for the 21st Century,ö established in 1996 by the Office of Educational Technology (OET). The objective is to increase use of technology in elementary and secondary education to promote achievement of the National Educational Goals, and better prepare students for their future. Research studies indicate that school improvement programs that employ technology for teaching and learning yield positive results for students and teachers (Office of Educational Technology). As with other areas of education, funding for technology is limited.
Clover Avenue Elementary School is a LEARN school within the Los Angeles Unified School District, with a diverse student body of 583 students. The number of computers in the school, both for instructional and administrative purposes, is 198. There are four computers for each classroom. The total number of printers in the school is 33, with one for each classroom, a larger one for the computer lab, and four in the administrative office. Other technologies available to teachers include Internet access in all classrooms and the computer lab, 20 VCR/TVs, eight overhead projectors, three digital video cameras, two still cameras, and 12 tape recorders.
According to Principal M. M., while Clover Avenue Elementary has computers and printers in every classroom, there is a constant need for new software. Another component is teacher technical proficiency. More training is needed for ôtechnologically challengedö teachers. Another deficit, according to the principal, is the computer lab. There is only one for the entire school, and student time spent in the lab is not always used efficiently. There is a need for more computer lab aide time.
Both teachers interviewed, Mr. W. and Ms. B., disagreed with the Principal regarding adequate computers for each classroom. To give the children equal ac...