Abstract:
This specialist thesis is comprised of two primary sections, an action research proposal and a
journal ready article. The action research proposal outlines the plans and tools needed for the
action research. The journal ready article presents the findings of the study. I have found that
when students use web-based instruction designed for high-stakes test preparation alone,
students' practice test scores generally do not improve. Therefore, students' lack the motivation
needed for additional practice of the content area being tested. Based on direct classroom
observation and extensive review of the literature, I determined that unless students are involved
with more interactive, motivating ways to review for the upcoming test using technology, the
web-based test preparation site is not well utilized. The purpose of this action research study was
to determine the influence of a web-based test preparation program, an interactive whiteboard,
and online mathematics games on student mathematics academic achievement and student
perceptions toward solving problems on mathematics tests. In addition, student experiences were
examined when combining these instructional technology tools. As submitted in the action
research proposal, a class of 15 third-grade students participated in the intervention for one hour
per day during the three-week study. My journal-ready article describes the results of the study
and shows the use of web-based instruction and an interactive whiteboard had a positive
influence on student mathematics achievement and perceptions toward solving problems on
mathematics tests. Data were collected from student journals, field notes, surveys, interviews,
and mathematics achievement tests. The results also implicate the use of this intervention as an
effective means for end-of-year test preparation for my school. The findings of this study were
presented to the learning community through a PowerPoint presentation and were received in a
positive manner. Feedback indicated that many teachers plan to use the intervention in the future.