Pilot Program Uses Laptops and Internet to Improve Student Learning
The Texas Education Agency has announced that it has selected 14 school districts and 21 technology and curriculum companies to conduct innovative pilot programs that use existing and cutting-edge technology in an effort to boost student learning. The pilot projects will use a variety of technologies, such as laptop computers and the Internet. The study will continue through the 2000-2001 school year. More than 30 high-tech and curriculum companies were interested in providing resources for the pilots.
A January 1999 Agency publication called Report on the Computer Network Study Project found that, according to research data and practitioners, technology has had a significant impact on teaching, administration and on student performance, attitudes and behavior. However, further studies are needed. The selection of districts and their corporate partners, as well as the implementation of the pilot program, follow recommendations made in the computer network study project. A copy of this report is available online at www.tea.state.tx.us/Textbooks. Progress of the Ed Tech PILOT Project will be made available online at www.tea.state.tx.us/technology/pilots. The Texas Education Agency, Austin, TX, (512) 463-9401, www.tea.state.tx.us/.