Evaluating Educational Technology: Effective Research Designs for Improving Learning

In this definitive volume, today’s leading authorities outline research designs, methodologies, and types of assessments that can be used to more effectively evaluate educational technologies. These designs, when properly implemented, provide critical evidence of technology’s impact on student learning. Featuring real-world examples with lessons learned to help readers understand the experts’ conclusions and recommendations, this user-friendly reference is organized around four themes:

The range of alternative research designs that can be used to document whether a particular technology is effective and warranted.

The use of contextualized evaluations sensitive to local conditions and concerns.

The need for longitudinal research designs to detect both long- and short-term effects of technology.

The need for new kinds of assessments to measure student learning.

In addition to this comprehensive reference, TC Press also publishes a companion volume that synthesizes these research finding―Using Technology Evaluation to Enhance Student Learning. This companion volume will help educators make sense of claims regarding the scientific research base for technologies they are considering using in their classrooms and schools, and will show policymakers how to find out “what works” in their district or state. Used together, this groundbreaking resource is the only reference you will need for the most up-to-date, authoritative information on how to evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology.