E-learning Behaviors in Middle School

Abstract

E-learning occurs throughout the middle school curriculum. Children use computers and the Internet to learn skills, complete assignments, and deepen their understanding of concepts. Supplementary computer software helps students build literacy skills, while digital texts provide affordances and challenges for comprehension and learning. During Web-based research, students leverage literacy and technical skills to accumulate knowledge. Students can use word processing or multimedia to demonstrate their learning. Simulations help create authentic learning experiences in the content areas and promote the transfer of learned skills. Even with the introduction of new technologies, teacher quality and classroom structure are important for student learning. Home video game and computer use also impacts students’ academic performance. Future research should continue to investigate the impact of e-learning on middle school students’ learning and development.