Educational software can help students?

Every year, the educational software industry earns $ 2 billion and becomes a companion of the American school system. However, according to a study by the US Department of Education, students' learning results have not improved.

The results of this report have dealt a serious blow to the education technology industry, which is growing under the urgency of schools to find ways to improve achievement and reach the quota under the law. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) - issued by the Bush administration. This law stipulates that schools must annually test the reading and math skills of students in grades 3 through 8.

Thanks to educational software to improve academic achievement

Low-performing schools grab software products in hopes of improving student scores in tests, from video game simulations running on Sony PlayStation to a trendy fashion. Exercises that deepen knowledge run on computers.

But it is suspected that this activity will be effective, especially after the scandal of a senior education official. In 2005, the heads of schools in Prince George County (USA) were forced to resign when suspected of accepting bribes in a $ 1 million educational software deal.

Research results after its April 5 release heated up the debate about educational technology, as US lawmakers are considering whether to renew NCLB legislation this year. The Ministry of Education spokesman, Katherine McLane, said: ' We are concerned that technology is not being used effectively to improve student achievement .'

Meanwhile, there are few positive moves from the education industry authorities. In the face of the students' little progress, they blame poor training and improper application of software programs in the classroom.

Education Policy Director, Software and Information Industry Association, Mr. Mark Schneiderman, said other experimental studies show that educational technology works, even though they are not as wide and deep as those of Ministry of Education. ' It seems that we are trying to argue, but the truth is that technology is only part of education, how technology is important to use .' The association of Mr. Mark represents 150 companies producing educational software.

But poor students still don't get better

According to the latest US Department of Education report, educational software is not as beneficial as we thought

The research program was implemented under the mandate of the US Congress, after the agency adopted NCLB in 2002. It evaluated 15 reading and math tests of 9,424 students at 132 schools on the scale. Nationwide course 2004 - 2005. This is the largest study to compare the learning outcomes of students using educational software and students who are not used. Based on the test score statistics, there are almost no significant differences between the two groups of subjects.

In classrooms, software programs like 'iLearn Math' and 'Achieve Now' are used in different ways depending on the teacher. Some educators use software as supplemental tools to deepen their knowledge in some lectures, while others use them instead of textbooks.

Many people believe that applying technology helps attract students into lectures (when each person is specifically instructed) and prepares them to enter the technology world later. Schools use software to teach all subjects, while the Ministry's research focuses on math and reading.

Debate takes place on many aspects of the problem. Many argue that improper application of technology leads to less progress of students does not mean completely rejecting technology in education.

Research by the Ministry of Education received much praise and criticism. Researchers plan to work with software business companies to further investigate some specific programs. PLATO's board chairman, Mr. John Murray said: ' We are proud to be the financial sponsor of this important research on the efficiency of using technology in the classroom '.

Thu Trang