Speak Up: The current state of digital learning

How, and for what purposes, are students using digital tools?

speakup-digitalWhile girls use many digital tools for learning more than boys, more boys than girls say they are interested in STEM careers–however, student interest in STEM careers has not increased significantly in seven years, according to the annual Speak Up survey results from Project Tomorrow.

This year’s report focused on how K-12 students use digital tools and resources to support schoolwork, how they use digital tools and resources to enable out-of-school-time learning activities, and what K-12 students’ aspirations are when it comes to using digital tools and resources in new and innovative learning environments.

As digital technologies becomes more ubiquitous and as more and more efforts support expanded internet access, students are making their technology preferences clear.…Read More

Survey reveals gaps in school technology perceptions

While 67 percent of administrators said their ideal school of the future should include the use of online collaborative tools, just 27 percent of teachers agreed.
While 67 percent of administrators said their ideal school of the future should include online collaborative tools, just 27 percent of teachers agreed.

The results from a recent survey on education technology suggest that schools are making progress on integrating technology into the curriculum—but the survey also reveals key disparities in how students, educators, administrators, and even aspiring teachers think of various technology tools.

For instance, a majority of K-12 students, principals, and school district administrators agreed that technologies for communicating and collaborating online—such as blogs, wikis, and social-networking web sites—are important tools for 21st-century teaching and learning. But not as many teachers shared this view.

Most students and aspiring teachers, and 42 percent of current educators, recognized the value of online games and simulations in enhancing students’ understanding of key topics—but far fewer principals or district administrators (25 percent) agreed.…Read More

Digital access, collaboration a must for students

 

Students are voicing their opinions about educational issues such as access to digital media tools and online learning.
Students are voicing their opinions about educational issues such as access to digital media tools and online learning.

 

In a national survey that reveals K-12 students’ use of technology at home and at school, students overwhelmingly agreed that access to digital media tools and the ability to collaborate with peers both inside and outside of school can greatly enhance education.…Read More