Noel White, Cathy Ringstaff and Loretta Kelley, WestEd
2002
WestEd has produced a short report reviewing extant research on the relationship between technology and learning. Because it is difficult to control for all the variables that affect learning, such research is basically inconclusive, but WestEd sought to identify the conditions under which technology seems to bring the greatest returns for students. They describe ten such conditions, ranging from the predictable (provide adequate, appropriate professional development and equipment; integrate technology within the curricular framework) to the slightly more noteworthy (change teacher beliefs about learning and teaching; include technology as "one piece of the puzzle"-the other pieces being accompanying reforms at the classroom, school and district levels). As the authors acknowledge, "perhaps not surprisingly, these conditions for enhancing the value of technology investments are essentially the conditions for improving student learning in general." You'll find a PDF edition of this report at http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-02-01.pdf. The longer literature review on which this report is based can be found at http://www.WestEd.org/cs/wew/view/rs/619.
