Pen and Paper vs. Pixels

Apparently high tech learning isn't a ticket to higher test scores.

At least that's what the federal government concluded today. According to a study issued by the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (a research arm of the U.S. Department of Education), achievement scores were no higher in classrooms using reading and math software products than in classrooms without the new products. You can read the Associated Press (AP) story on it here.

According to the AP story, the report detailed the effectiveness of the products as a group and did not review the performance of particular programs. Interestingly, despite minor technical glitches, most of the teachers involved in the study said they'd use the software again.

Obviously, just because a lesson is delivered in pixels rather than on paper doesn't necessarily make it better. What do you think? How is your school using technology as a teaching tool?