IT in Higher Learning

Last night I was researching IT in education when I happened across some interesting data. Here is a link to the findings of a longitudinal study that gives good insights into undergraduate student technology usage practices. The study was conducted by the research division of Educause. The Polson study and Educause studies are solid research that could be taken into consideration when making assessments of and updating training programs and practices to better meet, as well as exceed, existing knowledge and experiences among learners.

Abstract- This 2007 ECAR research study is a longitudinal extension of the 2004, 2005, and 2006 ECAR studies of students and information technology. The study, which reports noticeable changes from previous years, is based on quantitative data from a spring 2007 survey and interviews with 27,846 freshman, senior, and community college students at 103 higher education institutions. It focuses on what kinds of information technologies these students use, own, and experience; their technology behaviors, preferences, and skills; how IT impacts their experiences in their courses; and their perceptions of the role of IT in the academic experience.

Five positive categories about IT as an enabler of learning

Technology facilitates organisation and control in the learning environment.
Technology facilitates communication with faculty and classmates.
Technology can make more accessible, including class material and internet resources.
Technology in courses is valuable when directly linked to application useful to future employment.
Technology is an enabler of learning when tutors use it effectively.

Four categories about IT that are seen as a barrier to learning.

There are problems with technologies themselves and their institutional implementations and support.
The proliferation of technology has created a more complex environment.
Poor use of technology by tutors (under use, overuse, inappropriate use, or over dependence of technology) detracts from the learning experience.
Instructors sometimes overestimate student comfort with or access to technology resources.