Properly Implemented Technology Improves Learning and Saves Money for Beleaguered Schools

Varga, B. (2010, October 21). Properly implemented technology improves learning and saves money for beleaguered schools . Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebprojectRED/10/prweb4686394.htm

The Project RED (Revolutionizing Education) released their findings to their survey on the implementation of technology in the classroom.  The survey found that schools that use of technology at the intervention level, a strong computer to student ratio and use of technology in core classes once a week resulted in schools having improved test scores and graduation rates, while simultaneously reducing disciplinary action and drop-out rates.  The project also said that the money spent by schools to implement the new technologies would be recouped by the amount of money schools saved by reducing their dropout rate.  “Intel provided lead sponsorship for the survey, with additional sponsorship provided by Apple, the Pearson Foundation, Qwest, and eChalk.”  Other sponsors included the Association of School Business Officials International, the Consortium for School Networking, the International Association for Online Learning, and the International Society for Technology in Education.

According to this press release a survey has found that schools with a high computer to student ratio and common integration of technology into the classroom have a higher success than schools with lower computer to student integration and less classroom integration of technology.  One factor that is missing is the demographic and economic breakdowns of the schools surveyed.  It would stand to reason that most schools with the high computer to student ratio are schools in wealthier neighborhoods with more funding available.  This economic disparity could lead to a number of other factors that lead to student learning, such as whether students are showing up to school having eaten breakfast or not.  This survey seems to treat computer as if they are some magical device that will improve education just by students being in the same room with them.  Computers are not magic, they are just a tool, and a tool that can be used positively in education.  However that use must be thoughtful and sophisticated, with educators and administrators willing to make a commitment to the tool’s use in classroom.  It is unsurprising to me that organizations with a pro-business and pro-computer background sponsored this survey along with the tech giants Intel and Apple. Both companies would stand to gain greatly if the perception of their products as magic education cure-alls, as this survey perports, persists.