The High-Tech Journey from Engagement to Achievement
Look at ads for software for schools and you will see words that promise student engagement and improved academic achievement (see, for example: Dell Computers: 2011-western-heights high school). Like hot dogs and mustard, Harry and Sally, the upbeat words about software and new mobile devices engaging students, raising test scores of minority students and closing the achievement gap are joined like Siamese twins. “Schoolspowered by (put in your favorite software company) report impressive gains in first year.” Or listen to what educators and students say about new tablets, clickers, interactive whiteboards, or the latest mobile gadget:
An elementary school teacher: “The two mobile labs in our school have enabled and encouraged real-world learning regardless of grade level. Grade two students are the most active, especially with multimedia projects.” From a high school student using an iPad: “I think it is a wonderful way to gain knowledge. Maybe more practice would help improvement in skills.” From a college student: “I actually kind of like it. [Having clickers to register