It's About Outcomes...

It's not that often that Microsoft representatives and I are in complete agreement but this is one of those times. I don't know how many times I've heard school leaders and school-level educators speak about their plans to purchase a number of this or a "mobile lab" full of that without reference to what they expect this and that to help accomplish with regard to student outcomes.

Devices in education: it's all about improving outcomes

• Tim Bush
• Guardian Professional, Wednesday 12 September 2012 05.30 EDT



When looking at the use of technology in education, it's important to focus on improving outcomes.
When reviewing some of the recent projects across the sector, I often see decisions based on a single device, with teaching and learning wrapped around it, rather than first thinking about what actually needs to be done with that device. Sadly, it seems academic outcomes are not always the key objective with these decisions, regardless of how well intended the decision may be.
Surely outcomes, not necessarily the device, are what is important here? Achieving increased attainment, improved student engagement via personalised learning and immersive engagements, access to content anytime, anywhere and workforce readiness to increase employability, are all key and should help inform which device to embrace and deploy.
To complement this list of outcomes, factors beyond the device are also important to consider. For example, it's important to ask yourself what support programmes are in place to assist students, faculty and IT professionals to maximise their investments and meet their objectives, regardless of whether it's about saving money or improving academic attainment. (read the entire article)