What 126 Studies Say About Education Technology

What 126 Studies Say About Education Technology

In recent years, we have witnessed widespread enthusiasm on the effects technology can have on education. US have spent more than 13 billion dollars on education technology. However, this development is occurring in the midst of deep inequality which has put a question mark on the outcomes of technology use in education. To utilize education technology, education decision-makers, funders and product developer need to comprehend the ways in which technology can help.

Recently, J-PAL North American released a study summing up 126 evaluations of various uses of education technology. The study was done on the basis of four broad categories:

• Access to technology
• Computer-assisted learning or educational software
• Technology-enabled nudges in education
• Online learning

Here are some key lessons drawn from the studies done on education technology:

First, letting students use computers and internet don't improve academic outcomes from kindergarten to 12th grade, but do help in increasing computer usage and computer proficiency. Imbalance in availability of information and communication technologies can aggravate educational inequalities. Students without access to technology can find it hard to keep up with web-based assignments and digital literacy skills.

Also, computer distribution and internet subsidy didn't improve grades and in some cases, decreased academic achievements. The limited evidence shows that distributing computers can have more direct impact on postsecondary level.

Second, educational software has shown to develop some specific skills in children especially those in math. Personalising instructions can improve student learning effectively but that can become hard for teachers when the class size is large. Software does have the perk of overcoming traditional classroom constraints by customising activities according to each student. Out of 30 studies done on computer-assisted learning programs, 20 showed significant positive effects, 15 among them were centered on enhancing math outcome.

Third, technology-based nudges like text message reminders can have positive effect on a student, often at low costs. It will also help in driving parental engagement. Schools can also provide parents with the information about how their children are performing in school. Colleges can also benefit by increasing application rates, providing personalised support to high-school students and organise financial aid procedures.

Some other questions need to be answered too. Therefore, J-PAL North America's Education, Technology and Opportunity are working to put together some positive affirmation on uses of education technology by partnering directly with education leaders.

By: NehaMaheshwari

Content: http://news.mit.edu/2019/mit-jpal-what-126-studies-tell-us-about-education-technology-impact-0226