Dive Brief:
- Audit, consulting, tax and advisory firm Deloitte conducted its inaugural Digital Education Survey in 2016, finding students want to keep learning after they leave the classroom, and they want to do so on digital devices like phones, tablets and laptops.
- While 75% of children want to continue learning after they leave the classroom and 90% say they use digital learning materials at home, less than half of classrooms use one digital device daily, and more experienced teachers are less likely to believe ed tech makes a big positive difference on student learning.
- According to the survey results, students in the middle grades are attracted to digital learning tools for fun and curiosity, but high school students’ priorities narrow to primarily college prep — and when it comes to adult preferences for devices and learning materials, teachers are trusted by parents and each other for recommendations.
Dive Insight:
A range of surveys have tried to get to the heart of educator, student and parent preferences and perceptions about technology use in recent years. As the ed tech market scrambles to make products that will be used in classrooms, schools must think carefully about what these devices and online learning materials bring to student learning. While games may be fun and can be used to increase student learning outside of school, other learning materials might be better-suited for the classroom.
In general, administrators should approach technology as a possible solution to an identified problem. If students are struggling with reading, schools can turn to online programs that offers personalized instruction and can contribute to increasing student performance. When it comes to engagement, technology can help, too. The key is being strategic about choosing digital devices and integrating them into the classroom.
