The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of how technology is being utilized in the elementary classroom setting. As we already know, it is important to set students up for success in our technologically advanced society. As we go through the 21st century, students continue to have limited opportunities for the use of technology in the academic setting. This research project sought to answer the following questions: (1) How is technology used in instruction in the elementary grades? (2) Does the use of technology improve student motivation and learning? (3) What is the extent of teachers' technological understanding and how does this affect implementation in the academic setting? [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]