Bridging the Gap: Technology Trends and Use of Technology in Schools

TLDR

Despite significant investment and success stories, schools face a usage gap—students use technology less in school than outside—and an outcome gap—technology investments yield smaller cost savings and productivity gains than other sectors. The article examines the causes of these gaps and offers suggestions to bridge them through effective teaching discussions and technology planning. Findings show that in‑school technology use is less intensive and extensive than outside use, and that technology investments produce smaller cost and productivity gains compared to non‑educational sectors.

Abstract

Considerable investment has been made to bring technology to schools and these investments have indeed resulted in many “success stories.” However there are two significant gaps in educational uses of technology that must be addressed. The first is a usage gap. Compared to how and how much today’s students use technology outside school, in-school technology usage is much less intensive and extensive. The second is an outcome gap. Compared with the outcomes achieved through investment in technology in sectors outside education, the gains in terms reduced costs and increased productivity achieved by schools is significantly smaller. This article discusses the causes of these two gaps and provides suggestions for bridging them by engaging in discussions about effective teaching and committing to technology planning.