Effects of a technology-enriched learning environment on student development of higher order thinking skills

The problem for this study was to enhance the development of higher order thinking skills and improve attitudes toward computers for fifth and sixth grade students. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a Technology Enriched Classroom on student development of higher order thinking skills and student attitudes toward the computer.; A sample of 80 sixth grade and 86 fifth grade students was tested using the Ross Test of Higher Cognitive Processes. The Ross Test was selected because of its stated purpose to judge the effectiveness of curricula or instructional methodology designed to teach the higher-order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation as defined by Bloom. The test consisted of 105 items grouped into seven subsections. In addition, the students were surveyed using the Computer Attitude Questionnaire developed by the Texas Center for Educational Technology. The questionnaire assessed sixty-five questions combined to measure eight attitudes.; The study demonstrated that a Technology Enhanced Learning Environment significantly and positively impacted the development of the higher order thinking skill of evaluation for fifth grade students. The study also determined that exposure to technology positively impacts student attitudes for Computer Importance, Motivation, and Creativity. Although the treatment and comparison groups for grade six were determined not to be comparable, the results of the treatment was such that further study is recommended.