Under what conditions is technology effective in advancing learning and teaching?
This is the fundamental question that drives the research of the Milken Exchange on Education Technology.
Education technology evolves quickly because of changes in technology and advances in our understanding of how to use it, engage, challenge and nurture learners. The lag between the introduction of a program and evidence of its effectiveness may be significant. Still, it is useful to know what kinds of education technology work and in what ways.
This study of West Virginia’s Basic Skills/Computer Education is a collaborative investigation by the West Virginia Department of Education, the educators and students in the schools studied, the Milken Family Foundation, and Interactive Inc.
The findings suggest that Virginia’s Basic Skills/Computer Education program has had a positive impact on learning. West Virginia has had across-the-board increases in statewide assessment scores in all basic skills areas, and their NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores have gone up. (Please download a copy of the report to see where gains were noted and how technology was integrated into the curriculum.)
The West Virginia Story’s authors:
Dr. Dale Mann, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University and founding chair of the International Congress for School Effectiveness, an organization with members from more than half the countries of the world that is dedicated to improving schooling for the neediest children;
Dr. Charol Shakeshaft, a professor at Hofstra University. She is a specialist in research methods and a pioneer in the field of gender equity and schooling. Dr. Shakeshaft is the author of a leading textbook on women in educational leadership.
Jonathan Becker, J.D. is a research specialist in law and education. A doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University, he is interested in social science research utilization in the educational policy context.
Dr. Robert Kottkamp is a professor in the Department of Administration and Policy Studies at Hofstra University where he teaches research methods, administrative leadership and reflective practice.
