Technology's Edge: The Educational Benefits of Computer-Aided Instruction

We present results from a randomized study of a well-defined use of computers in schools: a popular instructional computer program for pre-algebra and algebra. We assess the program using a test designed to target pre-algebra and algebra skills. Students randomly assigned to computer-aided instruction score 0.17 of a standard deviation higher on pre-algebra/algebra tests than students randomly assigned to traditional instruction. We hypothesize that the effectiveness arises from increased individualized instruction as the effects appear larger for students in larger classes and in classes with high student absentee rates.

[1]  R. Murnane,et al.  What Is the Problem? The Challenge of Providing Effective Teachers for All Children , 2007, The Future of children.

[2]  Chen-Lin C. Kulik,et al.  Effectiveness of computer-based instruction: An updated analysis. , 1991 .

[3]  J. R. Enochs,et al.  Relating Learning Style, Reading Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Aptitude for Learning to Achievement in the Self-Paced and Computer-Assisted Instructional Modes , 1986 .

[4]  Anna L. Paulson,et al.  Constructing the Chicago Fed Income Based Economic Index - Consumer Price Index : Inflation Experiences by Demographic Group: 1983-2005, Working Paper 2005-20 , 2005 .

[5]  P. Twining Oversold and underused: computers in the classroom , 2002 .

[6]  S. Machin,et al.  New Technology in Schools: Is There a Payoff? , 2006, SSRN Electronic Journal.

[7]  B. Annexure DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , 2002 .

[8]  Alan B. Krueger,et al.  Putting Computerized Instruction to the Test: A Randomized Evaluation of a "Scientifically-Based" Reading Program , 2004 .

[9]  James S. Braswell,et al.  The Nation's Report Card: Mathematics, 2000. , 2001 .

[10]  Larry Cuban,et al.  Computers Make Kids Smarter—Right? , 1998 .

[11]  Jeffrey Grogger,et al.  Does School Quality Explain the Recent Black/White Wage Trend? , 1996, Journal of Labor Economics.

[12]  Marjorie Ragosta Computer-Assisted Instruction and Compensatory Education: The ETS/LAUSD Study. The Final Report. , 1982 .

[13]  Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach,et al.  What Have Researchers Learned from Project STAR? , 2006 .

[14]  Thomas D. Snyder,et al.  Digest of Education Statistics , 1994 .

[15]  E. Lazear,et al.  Educational Production , 1999 .

[16]  Colleen F. Surber Self-Pacing Versus Pacing Requirements: Criterion Measures, Student Evaluations, and Retention. , 1976 .

[17]  Cecilia Elena Rouse,et al.  Do Accountability and Voucher Threats Improve Low-Performing Schools? , 2005 .

[18]  J. Angrist,et al.  New Evidence on Classroom Computers and Pupil Learning , 1999, SSRN Electronic Journal.

[19]  Xiaoping Wang,et al.  Usage of Instructional Materials in High Schools: Analyses of NELS Data. , 2002 .

[20]  Gadi Barlevy,et al.  Characterizations in a Random Record Model with a Non-Identically Distributed Initial Record , 2005 .

[21]  Harold H. Wenglinsky Does It Compute? The Relationship between Educational Technology and Student Achievement in Mathematics. , 1998 .

[22]  M. Lepper,et al.  Children and computers. Approaching the twenty-first century. , 1989, The American psychologist.

[23]  R. Murnane,et al.  The Growing Importance of Cognitive Skills in Wage Determination , 1995 .

[24]  Donald Boyd,et al.  The Effect of Certification and Preparation on Teacher Quality , 2007, The Future of children.