The Effects Of Classroom Technology – Seen, Heard And Measured

What influence does all this new technology really have on student performance?

BACKGROUND
Developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the IMPACT model for North Carolina schools focuses on enhancing teaching and learning through supporting the integration of media and technology into classrooms around the state. The IMPACT model recognizes that successful school library media and instructional technology programs support both effective teaching and learning. The model is based on a fully funded media and technology program, including personnel, resources and access. The Friday Institute was selected to evaluate its effectiveness.

GOAL
School library media and instructional technology programs are key to making education relevant. IMPACT will provide the necessary personnel, resources, access, professional development, and student instruction to produce technologically literate students by the 8th grade.

PROGRESS
Starting in the 2003-04 school  year, 11 North Carolina schools implemented the IMPACT model. Over the course of a three-year study, researchers at the Friday Institute have gathered comprehensive data on student, teacher, and school outcomes in order to assess the effect of IMPACT.

FUTURE
It is believed that the implementation of the IMPACT model of integrating technology into teaching and learning will make a significant difference in student achievement based on North Carolina End-of-Grade and End-of-Course test scores. Data from the three-year study are currently being gathered, organized and analyzed to determine what impact, and how much of an impact, was actual made.

“One of the primary questions driving any evaluation of interventions in schools, including those related to technology,
is the impact that technology has on student achievement.”