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September 15, 2000: This message was distributed by Papyrus News, a free e-mail distribution list on the global impact of information technology on language, literacy, and education. Feel free to forward this message to others, preferably with this introduction. For information on Papyrus News, including how to (un)subscribe or access archives, see <http://www.lll.hawaii.edu/web/faculty/markw/papyrus-news.html>.
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I'm not sure that the software industry is the most objective source of information on the effectiveness of ed tech, but, anyway, for what it's worth....mark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rachel Haynes, SIIA PR
(202)
452-1600 ext. 365
August 24, 2000
SIIA Releases Report on Effectiveness of Education Technology Benefits of Education Technology and Challenges of Integration Outlined in New Report
(Washington, DC) The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) today released the "2000 Report on the Effectiveness of Technology in Schools," a 135-page report highlighting the results of more than 300 recent surveys on education technology from professional journals, doctoral dissertations and other qualified sources.
The report clearly demonstrates that education technology has increased student achievement, enhanced student self-concept and attitude about learning, and improved interaction involving educators and students in the learning environment. The report also outlines the challenges involved with technology integration and training in the educational environment. "Without question, technology is improving the quality of education by addressing a broad variety of unique needs," said Ken Wasch, SIIA president. "The SIIA effectiveness report shows that the integration of education technology is a complex and evolving task. What has become clear, however, are the widespread benefits for teachers and students who utilize technology in the educational environment."
"The SIIA report provides conclusive evidence about what teachers already know," said Cheryl S. Williams, Director, Education Technology Programs, National School Boards Association. "Teachers and students reap great rewards from education technology, and the benefits we enjoy now are just the beginning. Teachers have embraced the use of technology because it helps engage students, provides access to high quality content and individualizes learning. Looking to the future, education technology will play a key role as we work to improve student achievement across the board." The report shows that students are more successful in school, are more motivated to learn, and have increased self-confidence and self-esteem when technology is present in the educational environment. This is especially true for students with special needs. Technology is also a catalyst for successful collaborative learning and teamwork in small groups, and helps students that seldom participate in class discussions become more involved.
"Technology improves teaching and learning, but the simple addition of computers in schools does not directly translate to higher test scores and never will," continued Wasch. "From the school board and district administrators to principals and teachers, setting the right conditions and thorough training are the two most important keys to success. In this sense, the process of technology integration into the curriculum is just as important as the technology itself."
Variables identified in the report that influence the effectiveness of education technology include attributes of the student population, software design, the educator's role, student grouping, educator training and the level of student access to the technology. The leading variable is educator training, as students of teachers with more than ten hours of training significantly out-performed students of teachers with five or fewer training hours.
The report is intended to provide software developers and publishers with research that will foster continued innovation in education technology. The report is also designed to help educators make informed decisions as they integrate technology into the educational environment. Complimentary copies of the report are available to media by contacting Rachel Haynes at (202) 452-1600, ext. 365, or rhaynes@siia.net.
The Internet is also having a dramatic impact on educational opportunities and outcomes. The release of this report follows SIIA's recent analysis of six trends shaping the digital economy in "Building the Net: Trends Report 2000." The Trends Report 2000 features as one of the trends "Education Anytime, Anywhere," an overview of the new Internet-based educational opportunities for people at any stage of learning and at any stage of life. "Education Anytime, Anywhere" examines increasing online access to quality educational content, individualized instruction and new widespread learning communities. It also focuses on the emerging e-learning market, specifically in the areas of corporate training, lifelong learning and the new ability of companies to translate the provision of educational products and services through schools into long-term customer relationships. The Trends Report 2000 is accessible at http://www.trendsreport.net.
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association of the software code and information content industries. SIIA represents more than 1,000 leading high-tech companies that develop and market software and electronic content for business, education, consumers and the Internet. For further information, visit <http://www.siia.net>.
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