There are numerous benefits of educational technology when it is integrated deliberately and comprehensively into teaching and learning. These benefits are supported by research from various sources and include:
Technology supports student achievement. When integrated into instruction appropriately, technology has significant positive effects on student achievement in
reading, literacy, mathematics, and science (International Society for Technology in
Education, 2008).
Technology builds 21st century skills. Integrating technology into instruction can
help students learn 21st century skills in addition to core academic subjects,which are essential but no longer sufficient for success in life and work (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).
Technology engages students in learning and content creation. Integrating technology into formal learning and engaging students to create and publish their own work for a worldwide audience make school more relevant, resulting in higher levels of student achievement (America’s Digital Schools, 2006).
Technology increases access to education, virtual communities,and expertise.
Schools often provide students in disadvantaged communities their only access to
computing devices and the Internet (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).
Technology fosters inclusion. Technology is instrumental in providing solutions that
help K-12 and postsecondary schools create inclusive learning environments that engage all students regardless of ability, disability, background, or learning style (Apple Inc., 2009).
Technology helps prevent dropouts. The National Dropout Prevention Center cites
educational technology as one of 15 strategies that have the most positive impact on the high school graduation rate (Smink & Reimer, 2005).
Technology facilitates differentiated instruction. Technology can help teachers
provide personalized, just-in-time instruction and intervention for all students, which are especially important when supporting underperforming students, English language learners, and students with disabilities (Apple Inc., 2009).
Technology empowers learning and research in critical STEM fields. Technology,
including scientific simulations, computer labs, and visualization tools, is an essential tool for inquiry-based learning, advanced research, and collaboration in the science,technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for both K-12 and higher education (CEO Forum, 2001).
Technology strengthens career and technical education. Technology gives teachers
the opportunity to prepare students with new kinds of knowledge and skills that are in demand in high-growth emerging industries (Apple Inc., 2009).
Technology extends the learning day. Access to a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection can support learning beyond traditional school hours and classrooms (Apple Inc., 2009).
Technology supports teacher quality. Research shows that ongoing, job-embedded
professional development makes the most difference in improving teacher quality;
technology enables online learning as well as access to web resources and virtual
communities of practice (Apple Inc., 2009).
Technology enables diagnostic, timely, and innovative assessments. Technology based
assessments can make state tests easier to administer and score, answer the need
for more frequent classroom-based assessments, enable teachers to expand feedback
through better communications with students, and provide real-time feedback and
guidance (Apple Inc., 2009).
Additional details are available in a white paper titled, American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act—Stimulus Opportunities for Integrating Technology with Educational Goals.
The one I highlighted about teacher quality seems like the low hanging fruit that we could go after more aggressively. Use technology to make professional development easy and accessible for educators and they will be more likely to participate. Regardless of how much more data we collect or research we conduct to find the sweet spot of blended learning combinations that work for K-12 students, we pretty much know that increasing opportunities for development and avenues for learning for adult professionals is a good thing. How about if we just put our efforts there and then measure what trickles down to the student? I suspect it will be a lot.
