David Warlick over at 2cents posted about the Dept of Education’s recent study indicating that
learning software in classrooms does not increase student achievement scores. Here is the quoted text from the study.

"Test scores were not significantly higher in classrooms using the
reading and mathematics software products than those in control
classrooms. In each of the four groups of products-reading in first
grade and in fourth grade, mathematics in sixth grade, and high school
algebra-the evaluation found no significant differences in student
achievement between the classrooms that used the technology products
and classrooms that did not."

Apparently, this report has led to controversy. Opponents claim that the study is flawed while its creators claim there are no flaws in the study. I would add that the flaw in the study is irrelevant  compared to the fact that any assessment of the use of learning software would end up this dismal. Web apps have made project management, time tracking, expenses and just about everything else a much more productive proposition. I would like to think that the positive influence of software and technology in learning would be SO powerful as to still be evident in even a ‘flawed’ study.

I remember using learning software in school. Well, mostly I remember playing a lot of Oregon Trail. Is the Dept of Ed. saying that I didn’t learn anything from Oregon Trail? Where else would I learn about fording rivers?

We think it’s time for things to change. Hopefully our P2P learning game will be a new leaf in the world of learning software. Stay tuned for its launch and while you’re waiting, share some of your favorite school learning software and technology experiences. Did you successfully ford the river?