Ed-Tech Policy

Technology Counts 2003

May 09, 2003 2 min read
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Technology Counts 2003

Pencils Down: Technology’s Answer to Testing

Table of Contents
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • *Tech’s Answer to Testing: School districts and states are turning to computer-based assessment for quicker results and to meet new federal accountability requirements.
    • Chart: Computer- based State Tests

FEATURE STORIES

  • Legal Twists, Digital Turns: The “No Child Left Behind” Act of 2001 is having the unusual effect of both encouraging and discouraging schools’ use of computerized testing.
    • Table: State Initiatives
    • Sidebar:A Test- Taker’s Perspective
      • Chart: Computer vs. Paper Testing
  • A Question of Direction: Computer adaptive testing, which adjusts questions’ level of difficulty based on how well a student answers them, is the source of much debate.
  • Prepping for the Big Test: Students turn to test- preparation Web sites to help them prepare for high-stakes state assessments and college-entrance exams.
    • Chart: Computer- Based Practice
  • Spec. Ed. Tech Sparks Ideas Testing tools for children with disabilities, such as digital video cameras and computer text readers, are attracting mainstream attention. Chart: Special Preparations
  • The Teacher’s New Test: The use of computerized quizzes and exams for classroom testing is on the rise as teachers look for more efficient ways to evaluate students.
    • Chart: Teachers and Technology
  • Marketing to the Test: Traditional test publishers and start-up businesses have developed a host of technology-based testing programs in the hope of cornering this new market.
  • Essay Grading Goes Digital: Software that evaluates student essays has its share of critics, but some teachers say it has made it easier to add more writing exercises.

STATE DATA TABLES

  • *Overview: Tracking Tech Trends: Student access to the Internet continues to improve, but schools are spending only a small percentage of technology dollars on professional development.
    • Access Charts:
      • Chart: Internet Access Improving
      • Chart: Wiring Schools and Classrooms
      • Chart: PDAs and Laptops
    • Capacity Charts:
      • Chart: Not Highly Qualified
      • Chart: Finding Computer Science Teachers
      • Chart: School Technology Coordinators
    • Use Charts:
      • Chart: Playing or Learning?
      • Chart: Virtual Instruction
      • Chart: Internet Use by Subject
  • Analyzing the Tech Effect
    • Chart: Investing in Technology
  • Tables:
    • Access to Technology
      • Sources and Notes
    • Capacity to Use Technology
      • Sources and Notes
    • Use of Technology
      • Sources and Notes
    • Map: Individual State Data (Web only) : Click on a state to see data from all three tables.
      • Text Index to Individual State Data (Web only)
    • Compare State Data (Web only) : Check one or more states to compare data.

STATE OF THE STATES

  • Vital Statistics on U.S. Public Schools
    • Chart: United States
  • Map: State profiles: Snapshots of what each state is doing in the area of computer-based testing, and how the states are using technology to improve schools.
    • Text Index to State Profiles

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