America’s Education Technology Gap: Teachers Believe Tech Enriches the Classroom – But Schools Struggle with Implementation
Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) May 09, 2016 -- A large majority of U.S. teachers believe technology helps facilitate learning – however, just 16% of teachers give their schools an ‘A’ grade for incorporating it into their classroom. Almost half of teachers (48%) consider the technology they do have to be outdated. This is the case despite billions of dollars having been spent on both hardware and software for the K-12 classroom – over $6 billion in 2015 alone.
These findings are part of the new Teachers’ Dream Classroom Survey sponsored by Edgenuity, a leading provider of online and blended learning services. The national survey was conducted to better understand technology use in the classroom and how it impacts the educational experience.
“The rush to technology has often been about devices, with less thought given to the instructional purpose for using computers in the classroom,” said Sari Factor, CEO of Edgenuity. “Educators are now beginning to focus on how to integrate technology to improve student outcomes.”
Teachers Believe in the Promise of Technology to Personalize the Learning Experience
According to the survey, technology enriches the classroom experience for students and teachers alike. The vast majority of teachers (91%) agree with the statement: “Technology provides a greater ability for teachers to tailor lessons and homework assignments to the individual needs of each student.”
“Technology can be an incredible force multiplier for teachers,” said Factor. “Good teachers are already doing so much to personalize learning for their students. The combination of talented teachers and high-quality technology, used in the right ways, can create an empowering classroom experience for students and teachers alike.”
According to teachers, the most important role technology should play in the classroom is providing a variety of learning tools or modalities, followed by making the learning experience more engaging and differentiating the learning experience.
Teachers feel that technology improves the classroom experience in a number of ways, including:
• Creating more opportunities for research projects – 73%
• Helping students learn through a combination of direct instruction and learning on their own – 71%
• Ability to personalize learning for each student – 67%
Teachers are Performing Tasks that Technology Makes Easier
Teachers spend a whopping one-third (33%) of their time performing tasks such as grading homework and tests and reviewing what was already taught. Technology can play a key role as a time-saver for teachers. In fact, three in five teachers (61%) believe that to achieve their ideal classroom they need more time to plan, research and collaborate.
The top three things teachers would do if they had more time in the school day:
1) Help students who are struggling
2) Develop creative lessons
3) Tailor lessons to students
When Tech is Done Right, it Works
Despite the low number of teachers who believe their schools effectively implement technology, teachers do think technology can have a positive impact when well-executed.
Teachers who gave their schools an ‘A’ grade for integrating technology into the classroom are significantly more likely to be very satisfied with how well it’s helped facilitate learning. They are also significantly more likely to rate their students as very engaged. Furthermore, a substantial majority (80%) of these same teachers feel technology definitely helps them achieve learning objectives.
Methodology
This research was conducted online among a random sample of 400 middle school and high school teachers. In order to qualify for the research, teachers must have been primarily teaching grades 6 through 12. Fieldwork was conducted by Market Intel Group between March 14 and March 21, 2016.
About Edgenuity
Edgenuity is a leading provider of online curriculum and services with implementations in 8 of the top 10 school districts in the U.S. Our rigorous, standards-aligned digital content is fully flexible for use in any online or blended learning model to support a personalized learning environment, from NCAA-approved virtual courses to honors and Advanced Placement offerings to test preparation, credit recovery, and intervention. Edgenuity’s Blended Learning Services, Instructional Services and Professional Development offerings, as well as supplemental programs such as Edgenuity MyPath, help students, educators and districts achieve success in their online learning programs. For more information, visit Edgenuity.com.
Contacts:
Hayley Milbourn
Sloane & Company
212-446-1870
Hmilbourn(at)sloanepr(dot)com
Leslie Sobon
Edgenuity
877-202-0338
Leslie.Sobon(at)edgenuity(dot)com
Hayley Milbourn, Sloane & Company, +1 (212) 446-1870, [email protected]
Share this article