Evidence on the Impact of Technology on Learning and Educational Outcomes

Evidence on the Impact of Technology on Learning and Educational Outcomes - "This paper presents an interim review of evidence from published independent studies and analysis on the relationship between technology and the learning outcomes of school-aged learners. This will inform a further Becta publication in November 2009.

It is increasingly important to develop a good understanding of the role that technology has played in supporting improved learning. It is also important to keep up to date, which is why this review focuses predominantly on recent research. 

Overall there is a strong body of evidence linking the use of technology to improvements in learning and outcomes for learners. The relationship is not a simple one. Time taken to embed the use of technology, school-level planning and learner competency and focus of use, and link to models of learning are all important in mediating the impact of technology on outcomes.

Schools that take a systematic and planned approach to using technology to support learning achieve better outcomes with technology than other schools. These ‘e-mature’ schools have a well-developed vision for learning and lead and manage their use of technology in support of this.

Targeted use of technology to improving (making more efficient or effective) specific aspects of learning based on a systematic understanding or model leads to positive impact. Supporting schools in reflecting on and developing their approaches to and vision for learning is fundamental to embedding learning gains from technology.

Strong patterns of impact are also found from learners’ use of technology to support learning at home. However, again, the relationship is not simple. Schools play a key role in promoting and supporting appropriate learning behaviours with technology."