Closing the Divide: Exploring Meaningful Technology Use in the Technology Integration Matrix

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to investigate the suitability of Technology Integration Matrix Observations (TIM-O) extensity scores to serve as a quantitative proxy for meaningful technology use in K-12 public school settings across the United States. To do so, correlations between TIM-O extensity scores and various school-level socioeconomic indicators were explored using a Cumulative Link Mixed Model. Questions and observations gathered during the model-building process were then used to inform the development of an interview protocol, which was used to gather the experiences and perspectives of three middle school instructional coaches. My analysis uncovered evidence that TIM-O extensity scores could serve as a useful proxy for meaningful technology use, though improvements and further study will be necessary.