Textbooks or Software - Same test scores

School districts across the country have poured millions of dollars into educational software with the intent of raising test scores. Did it make a difference?

The U.S. Department of Education concluded that there was no significant difference in student performance as measured by test scores, reports Amit Paley of the Washington Post. The study was conducted during the 2004-2005 school year as a mandated component of the 2002 No Child Left Behind law. Coincidentally, or not, the law is up for renewal this year.

What is remarkable about this study is that it is the largest to date (132 schools, 9,424 students using 15 math and reading products). The study included various methods for incorporating educational software into the classroom. Some classes relied on software as the primary instructional method whereas others use it as a supplement to traditional materials.

So should we eliminate educational software if it proves to be no better than traditional methods?

Of course not! First, if you flip the question, educational software can be seen as producing the same results. So, at the very least, it isn't any worse at educating our children.

"Ah yes", you might say, "a laptop and software is far more expensive than a textbook and some worksheets duplicated out of a workbook, right?"

Indeed it is, but I believe there are secondary benefits in using educational software that must be valued into the equation.

1. Students are increasing their technical skills, which is critical in the global economy. A generation that is unable to use the latest technology is unable to compete.
2. Some students are more easily engaged when using technology solutions.

So I say, keep the technology, but make sure that teachers are properly trained and that the software is used as an aid.

Here's the crucial part - we still need to rely on teachers to teach, whatever the learning delivery method.

- The Four-Eyed Observer