Computers shown to aid learning

MONTREAL — Classrooms where computer technology was used to support teaching had a “small to moderate positive” effect on learning and attitude, Concordia University researchers have concluded after analyzing a 40- year retrospective, big- picture study.

“There have been lots of arguments, both pro and con, regarding this issue, ( such as) is it worth the investment?” said professor Richard Schmid, chairman of the education department at the Montrealbased University.

Their literature review involved looking at thousands of studies and comparing achievement in classrooms that used computer technology with those that used little or none.

The study was published in the Review of Educational Research journal.

If an administrator must make a decision “should we invest in this? The answer is yes,” said Schmid, the study’s co- author.

The literature shows more recent, sophisticated applications of the technology produce greater positive gains than older applications, he said.

The research was expanded from a doctoral thesis by the study’s first author, Rana Tamim, and involved a team from Concordia’s Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance.

“There were many studies that said it had a negative impact. But the preponderance of evidence suggests it has a positive impact,” said Schmid.

In a study now underway, Concordia researchers are looking not so much at whether computer technology in the classroom has a positive effect, but under what circumstances positive effects are observed.