Why Technology in Schools?

In states, school districts and schools across the country, there is substantial evidence that technology has become a vital component for the success of the entire educational enterprise by:

• Improving learning and achievement among urban, suburban and rural students of all ages and abilities and aids all students to meet high standards
• Helping new and aspiring teachers to become “highly qualified” and experts in their subject area
• Providing administrators with better data that can improve decision-making and policy implementation

A review of research, data and case studies published within the past five years conducted by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), confirms that technology use in education yields a broad array of meaningful results:

Technology improves student achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics.
As schools strive to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, technology makes a difference in improving test scores and helping students reach performance goals. Technology also engages students in learning; improves attendance, decreases dropout rates, increases graduation     rates and facilitates parent involvement.

Technology improves school efficiency, productivity, and decision-making.
School administrators increasingly rely on technology to accomplish their work, capture and make sense of data and focus their efforts on measurable results in student achievement.

Technology helps teachers meet professional requirements.
E-learning opportunities make it possible for teachers to upgrade their knowledge, skills, and credentials in core academic subjects—a requirement of NCLB. Technology also helps teachers improve their classroom practices.

Technology improves learning skills.
Today’s students must learn more than the basics to be prepared for life. Using technology, students develop learning skills, such as thinking and problem-solving skills, information and communication skills, and interpersonal and self-directional skills.

Technology can help schools meet the needs of all students.
NCLB requires schools to help all students learn and achieve. Technology helps schools create effective, individualized learning environments for all students, making education more inclusive in reaching students with special needs.

Technology promotes equity and access in education.
E-learning opportunities give economically underrepresented and geographically isolated students access to core academic content, digital information and specialized, advanced classes, a development that brings learning to students wherever they are.

Technology improves workforce skills.
Students who use technology develop the technical and learning skills, academic knowledge and work habits that are necessary for success in higher education and the workplace.