{"id":2788,"date":"2015-09-15T06:51:45","date_gmt":"2015-09-15T06:51:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/astraea.net\/blog\/?p=2788"},"modified":"2015-09-15T06:52:45","modified_gmt":"2015-09-15T06:52:45","slug":"computers-in-school-do-not-improve-results-doh-its-about-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.astraea.net\/blog\/computers-in-school-do-not-improve-results-doh-its-about-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Computers in school do not improve results. Doh! It’s about culture."},"content":{"rendered":"

OECD research shows that\u00a0 frequent use of computers in schools is more likely to be associated with lower results.\u00a0\u00a0 Among 70 countries, heavy\u00a0 investment in information and communications technology have seen “no noticeable improvement” in Pisa test results for reading, mathematics or science.\"monkeyoncomputer\"<\/a><\/p>\n

This is not surprising.\u00a0 As with any technology, it can be “good” or “bad” depending on how it is used and all too often ICT is used as a substitute for thinking.\u00a0 That might be ok if you are a thinker, but if using a computer is just a crutch, used to copy\/paste ideas or fill time will 2D pictures and sound, then its use is retarding your development.<\/p>\n

We know a great deal about learning and human development and intuition has been supported by evidence that learning is enhanced by a culture of engagement in which challenges match skills in an active, self-directed, supported, diverse environment.\u00a0 So, yes IT can help – look at Khan Academy for example – but it is not a magic bullet.<\/p>\n

\"monkeyatcomputer\"<\/a>Now, in fact, more evidence is showing that it can get in the way of learning.\u00a0 I teach IT and see its use among children, adults and business and all too often people compromise their opportunities by believing that the computer s going to do the thinking for them.\u00a0 The consequence is that their learning opportunity is weakened and their abilities and chances of success are compromised.<\/p>\n

My advice?\u00a0 Don’t rely on the IT.\u00a0 Turn off the media device.\u00a0 Get outside and experience the world, have a conversation and read a book.\u00a0 And if your going to use a computer, remember it is a tool, not a solution.\"braincomputermonkeyhuman\"<\/a><\/p>\n

BBC: Computers ‘do not improve’ pupil results, says OECD<\/a><\/p>\n

OECD: Students, Computers and Learning: Making the Connection<\/a><\/p>\n

The report says:<\/p>\n