We all know that technology is here to stay in the classroom. From interactive whiteboards to educational apps, technology tools are becoming an everyday part of teaching and learning (some schools are even going back to paper-only!). But do these technology tools actually help students improve their reading and writing skills? A recent meta-analysis by Rebecca D. Silverman et al. It became clear that it would improve their abilities.
Educational technology has shown positive but mixed results.
Meta-analyses are different from typical research. They use previous findings from several different studies to create one large paper that summarizes their findings. This meta-analysis used 119 studies published between 2010 and 2023 to examine how different technology tools impact literacy skills, including decoding, language comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing ability. is focused on. This result is encouraging even in the 21st century, especially in the field of writing, where technological intervention has had a notable positive impact. However, the study also found that the benefits were slightly less pronounced when outcomes were measured using standardized tests. This is to be expected, as standardized tests may not match the format of technological tools that students are accustomed to.
The important finding of Silverman et al. (2024):
Improved decoding: The educational technology intervention had a moderate positive effect on students’ ability to decode words (effect size 0.33). Improved language comprehension: The study found a similarly moderate effect on language comprehension skills (effect size 0.30). Improvement in reading comprehension: Although positive, the improvement in reading comprehension was small (effect size 0.23). Significant improvements in writing ability: The most impressive results were in writing, with a solid effect size of 0.81. (Note: In the social sciences, the size of this effect is huge!)
Is this study reliable?
Not all studies are evaluated equally. Here’s what We Are Teachers’ Malarkey Meter says about this publication based on four key factors:
Peer reviewed? Absolutely! This meta-analysis underwent a rigorous peer-review process to ensure its reliability. The journal invites only the best social scientists to participate in peer-reviewed meta-analyses. Sample size: This meta-analysis, using data from 119 studies, has a sufficient sample size to strengthen the reliability of its results. Trustworthy sources: This study is published in Educational Research’s “Big Kahuna”: Review of Educational Research. In addition, we have a large and well-respected research team (Rebecca D. Silverman, Christine Keene, Elena Darling-Hammond, and Saurabh Khanna) with over 5,000 citations. Methodology: This study used advanced statistical methods to analyze the impact of educational technology on literacy, focusing on different literacy outcomes over time. They systematically selected and analyzed these studies, including only studies that used strong and reliable methods in the final analysis. The goal was to clearly demonstrate how effective these technologies are in improving young learners’ literacy skills.
What does this mean for teachers?
Balancing technology and traditional methods. This study shows that while educational technology can be a valuable tool for improving literacy, it should not be the only method we rely on. For example, while high-tech tools have shown significant benefits in writing instruction, their impact on reading comprehension has been less pronounced, especially when assessed with standardized tests. Therefore, it is important to integrate traditional teaching methods and technology to ensure inclusive literacy development. Focus on evidence-based programs. Not all educational technology programs are equally effective. As Dr. Rebecca Silverman points out: “Educational technology improves literacy skills in kindergarten through fifth grade, but there are many variations in educational technology programs, and not all are effective. Independent research supports the programs considered. and whether they are based on evidence-based practices.” In other words, when choosing technology tools to use in your classroom, make sure they have real benefits for student literacy. It’s important to choose tools that are backed by solid research and provide you with the best possible results. Prioritize writing using technology. The study found that the most significant gain from educational technology was writing ability. Therefore, incorporating technology into writing lessons can be particularly advantageous. Teachers may consider focusing specifically on technological tools that enhance students’ writing skills as part of their literacy instruction.
While educational technology can improve literacy in elementary classrooms, it is important to remember that it is not a silver bullet. As educators, we need to harness the potential of these tools, especially in writing instruction, where the benefits are most apparent. However, it is equally important to critically evaluate and identify programs to ensure they are supported by solid research and truly meet the needs of students. Let us continue to blend innovative technology with traditional, evidence-based teaching practices to create a balanced and effective approach to literacy education. And remember that teachers are always experts.
