a??Just What I Needa??: Gifted Studentsa?? Perceptions of One Online Learning System

摘要

Little research exists on the nature of the interactions between gifted students and technology, specifically the phenomenon of gifted adolescents using Internet-based learning tools. This qualitative study explores how students use the Renzulli Learning System (RLS), an online educational profile with a matching database that provides enrichment resources. The student sample included nine identified gifted and talented seventh- and eighth-grade students in an urban school district in Connecticut. Most of the students had been using RLS for about 2 years. The students participated in an electronic questionnaire and were interviewed during two semistructured interviews. The research questions were centered on how the students were using RLS at school. Student answers suggested several themes regarding the effectiveness of RLS as a tool for school success, its engaging quality, and selective independence.