I realize this is not a new gadget and has nothing to do with emerging technology. But I thought this was very interesting.
I have always considered computer software for education as a great break through and would improve any students knowledge and test scores. But I could have been wrong...
According to this new report software used by elementary and high school children doesn't appear to improve test scores for reading and mathematics.
This is despite the huge sums of money school districts spend on computer products. The The National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance produced a major study of the effectiveness of education and technology.
They tested thirty-three districts, 132 schools, and 439 teachers participated in the study. Sixteen software products were selected for the study based on public submissions and ratings by a study team and expert review panels.
They examined reading products used by first- and fourth-graders, as well as math products used in the sixth grade and algebra classes typically taken in ninth grade.
This is very surprising to me. I would think that properly created learning software would increase their scores
They are doing a second study that will look at the effects of individual products and determine whether reading and mathematics software is more effective when used by teachers who have more experience teaching with the programs. Maybe this is the case.
A better educated teacher definitely creates better educated children. With the average licensing fees for the reading products were US$96 to $100 per student, per year and the math software cost of an average of $15 to $18 they should figure this out fast.
We don't need to spend anymore wasteful money on the school system.
This report is the first of two from a Departmentof Education study that was mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act
