Measuring the Impact of Technology in the Classroom

We've looked at technology in the classroom in quite a few posts here at STC (See a TED speaker advocating computers for math, Shafeen Charania on Turning Technology Change into Advantage, and How to Create a High Tech Classroom with One Computer to only name a few. A controversial NYTimes piece recently addressed the impact of technology in the classroom with some surprising findings and though provoking questions. Let's take a look at some quotes from advocates and skeptics of upping technology in the classroom Skeptics are wary of the actual positive change when technology is brought into the classroom: "...technology advocates have it backward when they press to upgrade first and ask questions later." "In Kyrene, for example, even as technology spending has grown, the rest of the district’s budget has shrunk, leading to bigger classes and fewer periods of music, art and physical education." “Rather than being a cure-all or silver bullet, one-to-one laptop programs may simply amplify what’s already occurring — for better or worse...students could wind up becoming distracted by the technology." Advocates: "Test scores are the same, but look at all the other things students are doing: learning to use the Internet to research, learning to organize their work, learning to use professional writing tools, learning to collaborate with others.” STC Schools - we want to hear from you! How do you use technology in the classroom? How do you keep technology in balance? Would you favor more in depth technology use over arts education? Have you seen a rise in test scores with implementation of technology? Share your Effective Practices with us in the comments below.