Educational Technology Myths Dispelled

An increased use of technology in the classroom by K-12 teachers yields a perceived positive impact on student learning, engagement and the development of 21^stcentury skills, according to the study Educators, Technology and 21^st Century Skills: Dispelling Five Myths. The report was released by The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University

The Riley College of Education and Leadership commissioned the survey of more than 1,000 U.S. K-12 teachers and school administrators to determine whether classroom teachers and school administrators believe that using technology and fostering 21^st century skills benefit their students.

Core findings of Educators, Technology and 21^st Century Skills: Dispelling Five Myths include:

Teachers who use technology frequently report greater benefits to student learning, engagement and skills from technology than teachers who spend less time using technology to support learning.

Teachers who completed their initial certification or licensure since 2000 do not believe their pre-service programs taught them how to teach 21st century skills or how to effectively incorporate technology into instruction.

There is little association between a teacher's years of experience and the frequency of technology use in the classroom.

The findings reveal perceived differences related to teachers' use of technology in the classroom and the impact of technology on perceived student learning.