The effects of smart technology (classrooms equipped with smart boards) on motivation and academic achievement of high school students in Gobad-e-Kavous, Iran

Introduction: A smart school can foster flourishing of the students’ talents and increase their motivation to perform better in classroom activities through providing a dynamic and attractive environment. The aim of this study was to look into the impact of smart technology on motivation and academic achievement of high school students in Gonbad-e-Kavous, Iran.Materials & Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 60 students, selected from among 230 male high school students in Gonbad-e-Kavous, Iran (first graders), using random cluster sampling. They were divided into a test group and a control group. To assess the students’ academic achievement, the students’ GPA’s in the first two semesters were considered. The Harter’s motivation questionnaire, containing 33 items was used to determine the students’ motivation. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire has been calculated by Bahrani in Iran, the coefficient of cronbach’s alpha being 0.77, intrinsic motivation scale 0.75 and extrinsic motivation scale 0.67. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially through one-way analysis of covariance and linear regression coefficient, using the SPSS software version .23.Results: The results showed that in the experimental group, who made use of the smart board, the increase in motivation and academic achievement was 9.32, and 1.019 in comparison to that in the control group. It was found that the variables motivation and smart board accounted for 0.18 of the academic achievement variance, using regression equation.Conclusion: There is between academic achievement and high-tech (P value=0.21). There is also a significant positive correlation between motivation and the use of high-tech (P value=0.30).