The student productivity paradox: Technology mediated learning in schools

Many school administrators and school boards are strongly investing in information and communications technologies (ICT) to meet the increasing pressure on educational institutions to enhance learning outcomes and effectiveness. The value of investment in ICT depends on creative or other productive outcomes from its use, while, to be truly successful, ICT investment must match deep interests with powerful ideas. How students use the ICT provided will impact their own learning and also the success of the ICT program in the schools, and in turn, society at large. ICT investment was prompted by the assumption that encouraging students to improve their productivity would increase learning opportunities. Researchers should thereby investigate the specific needs and expectation of students, teachers, and parents, who adopt ICT for use in education, before investing heavily in ICT, as outcomes of investing in ICT are uncertain and may not always align with the intentions of school administrators.

Duke Scholars

Author Eileen Z Taylor Fuqua School of Business