Technology in Schools

Technology in schools is rapidly increasing. "A study commissioned by the Milken Exchange on Education Technology and recently released by Columbia University discovered that West Virginia's use of educational technology led directly to significant gains in K-6 students' reading, math, and language skills." It is shown that because of increasing technology that student's test scores have increased. When student's learn in a multimedia environment it helps them learn by auditory hearing, language, and decoding-in-context that they do not get in a regular environment. "A study conducted at Stephens Institute of Technology found that high-school students retained math skills longer after using commercially available mathematics software than did students in a control group receiving traditional classroom instruction. (Technology and Learning, September 1997)." However, it is important that teachers use effective technology and that it is carefully selected to be integrated educationally. It is also important that teacher receive ample training in how to integrate software into their classroom. Although advanced technology seems "ideal" for every classroom, schools that do not have enough funding will not receive the advanced technology because of the high costs. However, it is important for student's to receive some education on advanced technology because if they are not informed on the technology of the 21st century they will not be fully prepared for the 21st century. Most jobs require their employee to have a background on technology. Although technology in schools is effective it is not perfect. Technology is always changing and constantly needs to be tested and improved.