The Value of Educational Technology

Incorporating technology and digital tools across a wide range of educational settings is key to creating transformative learning opportunities. In this way, the importance of using classroom technologies cannot be overstated. But in what other ways is educational technology valuable to instructors and learners? Below, we go over some key findings from Education Technology Use in Schools: Student and Educator Perspectives, a joint report from Gallup and NewSchools Venture Fund.¹

Education professionals agree—digital learning tools are vital to teaching and learning.

More than 90% of administrators, 88% of principals, and 81% of teachers strongly agree or agree that implementing digital learning tools in the classroom adds significant value. The vast majority of each group also responded that they see significant value in using classroom technologies in the future as well. But when it comes to fully supporting—versus only somewhat supporting—the increased use of digital learning tools in schools, administrators (75%) and principals (71%) responded more favorably than teachers (53%).

Digital learning tools can be effectively applied across an array of learning activities.

One clear outcome of the report was how valuable educational technologies are across the spectrum of teaching and learning. For instance, when it comes to conducting research or searching for information, over 90% of all administrators, principals, and teachers agree that digital learning tools are effective. In addition, at least eight in 10 among each group responded that these tools are also effective for building projects, presentations, and reports as well as for developing practice exercises and lessons. Of the 11 learning activities studied, each group responded favorably—at a rate of at least 60%—when it came to the effectiveness of digital learning tools.

When it comes to connecting learning to future job roles, digital learning tools are the most effective.

Another key finding of the report centered on the connection between classroom technologies and potential jobs and careers for students. Over 60% of teachers, 68% of principals, and 70% of administrators reported they believe digital learning tools are more effective than non-digital learning tools in this way. The reasons cited for this include the ability to better personalize instruction for students as well as engage students in learning activities more easily through digital technologies. However, when it comes to classroom management, the majority of each group found digital learning tools to be less effective than non-digital.

Most educators find that classroom technologies align with state/district standards and initiatives.

Each school has standards and initiatives they must follow, often set by the state and district in which they reside. And when it comes to the use of classroom technologies, the majority of education professionals believe that these tools support these standards. Additionally, about half of all teachers and principals surveyed agreed that these digital tools also provide valuable insight on student progress through immediate and actionable data. However, fewer administrators (44%) were found to share this opinion on the link between classroom tech and progress-related data.

There is a perceived lack of information regarding the effectiveness of digital learning tools.

Lastly, education professionals all agree that there is a lack of information when it comes to the effectiveness of using digital learning tools in the classroom. Only 27% of teachers, 25% of principals, and 18% of administrators stated otherwise. So, despite personal opinions on the value of classroom technologies and the positive impact they have on learning activities, the majority of teachers, principals, and administrators agree that more information is needed on their demonstrated and measured effectiveness.

Become an Educator-Leader When You Earn Your EdS in Educational Technology at Walden University

If you want to increase your ability to influence and transform your educational institution, Walden can give you the support you need. In Walden’s EdS in Educational Technology program, you can gain the skills you need to apply the latest classroom technologies to improve instruction and learning across a wide range of educational settings. Walden’s online learning format allows you to complete doctoral coursework for your EdS degree from wherever you have internet access. Plus, getting your Education Specialist degree online means you can attend class at whatever time of day works best for you—a convenience that makes it possible to earn your EdS while you continue to work full time.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a suite of education degree programs online, including an EdS in Educational Technology program. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.newschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Gallup-Ed-Tech-Use-in-Schools-2.pdf

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.