Technology for Teaching and Learning

Children at computers

Technology offers tremendous promise for student learning and has ignited the imagination of those who are interested in bringing about revolutionary gains in the achievement of all students. Yet the use of technology in education also raises a whole host of challenges, including those related to cost-effectiveness, teacher professional development, assessment, equity, and safety. We are at the forefront of evidence-based, technology-driven classroom practices and online strategies that enhance learning for all students, especially those with special needs.

Latest Work

18 Nov 2020
Q & A

A Quick Word with Jessica Heppen on Using Texting to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

In a study for the Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, AIR evaluated the effects of an adaptive text messaging intervention on chronic absenteeism in schools. Jessica Heppen, a senior vice president at AIR, tells us more about the study, including what her team learned about the effectiveness of the intervention and implications for educators, parents, and students.
1 Nov 2020
Spotlight

Spotlight on Personalized Learning

AIR believes that personalized learning efforts must have critical foundational elements, build in the relevant essential hallmarks, and opportunities to amplify learning with technology. Our approach to personalized learning draws upon our rigorous research base and strong field experience in facilitating educational system change efforts across the nation and globe.
29 Oct 2020
In the Field

Lessons Learned: What Research Shows About Students’ Experiences with Online Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented school closures throughout the United States, prompting educators to search for ways to meet the needs of children and families outside the bounds of traditional school walls. AIR has studied online learning for more than a decade, and although none of our studies took place in a situation like the current pandemic, this research provides insights that could inform education leaders who are working to promote and support student learning from afar.
Illustration of woman with cell phone
15 Oct 2020
Spotlight

AIR’s COVID-19 Response and Resources

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. This virus, also known as COVID-19, has dramatically changed the lives of people around the globe, touching all aspects of life, from health care to education to the economy. In this new world of rapidly changing information about the virus, AIR seeks to be a source of evidence-based information that examines and begins to understand the various complexities of this crisis.
28 Sep 2020
Spotlight

Teaching in the Time of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted education system across the country and around the world, changing what classrooms and learning look like on a day-to-day basis. Educators are navigating a constantly shifting landscape, with the health of students, teachers, and the community at large at stake. Explore our research, resources, and webinar recordings to better understand the challenges teachers are facing and find tools and resources educators can use as they move forward.
15 Sep 2020
Report

Can Texting Parents Improve Attendance in Elementary School? A Test of an Adaptive Messaging Strategy

Chronic absence is a nationwide problem, even among young students. Those with poor attendance are more likely to face challenges later in school and in life. This study tested four versions of an adaptive text messaging strategy to see which, if any, would reduce chronic absence among 26,000 elementary school students.
Image of students at computers with social distancing and masks
10 Sep 2020
In the Field

Promoting Digital Equity and Opportunity in the Time of COVID-19

Often, strategies to provide equal access to technology and the internet involve simply providing people with devices. AIR's Trent Sharp explains why this could be short-sighted.
Image of drawing by a child
2 Sep 2020
Spotlight

Literacy Around the World

Founded to actively mobilize the international community and to promote literacy as an instrument to empower individuals, communities, and societies, International Literacy Day is celebrated around the world. Learn more about the projects, people, research, and in-country technical assistance that are contributing to the effort.
Image of young girl learning at her laptop
20 Jul 2020
In the Field

Digital Accessibility: How Schools and Teachers Can Support Students with Disabilities in Remote Learning

Keeping an eye on issues of equity in remote learning environments can seem overwhelming, particularly when moving teaching and learning from the classroom to an online platform. Taking the time to address digital accessibility has an overarching benefit: Universally designed and accessible learning materials can benefit all learners.
19 May 2020
Infographic

Condition of Education 2020: Home Internet Access Was Higher for Children in the Highest Income Families

In 2018, some 94 percent of 3- to 18-year-olds had home internet access: 88 percent had access through a computer, and 6 percent had access only through a smartphone. The remaining 6 percent had no internet access at home.
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