Questioning our Assumptions
A new research study has been released that indicates there is no positive correlation between computer use and student achievement. As reported in the online version of the London Telegraph, the report analyzed data on 100,000 students from 31 countries and found that once other variables had been accounted for, there was no difference in student success on international tests between students with high levels of technology access and those who had little or none. Worse still, access to computers at home correlated with lower success.
Frankly, this makes a lot of sense. It’s what the students are taught and how they are taught that will have an impact far beyond any variable in the environment. A good teacher will get good results regardless of whether or not the students can get to a computer. A poor teacher’s performance will be further hindered by the distractions created by improperly used technology.