Screens in Schools: How Much Are They Worth?

Schools in the United States spend billions on screen-based technology each year. But, does this spending translate to increased learning outcomes? Global data from 600,000 students in over 80 countries found that countries who had invested the most in technology showed no appreciable benefits in learning outcomes compared to countries who had spent much less. Indeed, the highest achieving school systems (South Korea and China) were found to have fairly low levels of computer use.

While there is some research that suggests one-to-one laptops may contribute to increased learning in late elementary and high school, the effect size of this impact is small. In fact, laptops appear to be less effective in helping kids learn than established, low-tech/no-tech interventions such as reduced class sizes or small-group tutoring. In addition, there appears to be an important difference between laptop use in schools and tablet use in schools. While laptops may have a small positive effect in later grades, global data has actually found that tablets are associated negative learning outcomes.

What does all this mean? More technology is not always better. Technology can certainly enhance learning when used well; but, what does it mean to use technology “well”? Have we considered all the potential costs that come with screen-based technology—including costs to students’ emotional and physical wellness? And, is there a way for schools to leverage the benefits of technology while reducing the potential costs? Stay tuned and we will do our best to answer these questions in the coming blogs.