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

4 Apr 2018
Report

Student Access to Digital Learning Resources Outside of the Classroom

Technology has the ability to create new opportunities for students and designing successful practices for using technology can help to increase educational experiences for students. This report draws upon nationally representative data sources, existing research, and relevant state and local intervention efforts to examine the five research areas designated in ESSA, and to provide a comprehensive picture of student access to digital learning resources outside of the classroom.
Topic: 
Education, Afterschool and Expanded Learning, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Technology for Teaching and Learning
Project

Simulation Instruction in Mathematics Study (SIM Study)

Research suggests that teachers’ facilitation of student-driven discussion in mathematics provides crucial opportunities for students to develop a strong understanding of the mathematics concepts; however, facilitating these student conversations is often a challenging strategy for teachers to implement in their classrooms. The Simulation Instruction in Mathematics Study, or SIM Study, is a pilot study of a new professional development program being conducted by AIR, in collaboration with the University of Central Florida. SIM leverages new technologies for virtual classroom simulation and tests its use in professional development to support strong instructional practice in middle school mathematics.
6 Sep 2017
Spotlight

Literacy Around the World

September 8, 2017 is International Literacy Day. Founded to actively mobilize the international community and to promote literacy as an instrument to empower individuals, communities, and societies, it is now celebrated around the world. Learn more about the projects, people, research, and in-country technical assistance that are contributing to the effort.
Topic: 
Reading and Literacy, Adult Learning, Education, Technology for Teaching and Learning, International, International Reading and Literacy
Project

Assessing the Efficacy of Online Credit Recovery on Student Learning and High School Graduation

School districts across the country are increasingly using online courses to expand credit recovery options for high school students who need to get back on track toward graduation, but the growing use of online credit recovery for high school students has considerably outpaced the research. In partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District, AIR is working to provide evidence for practitioners and policymakers about how a promising use of online learning could help students recovery course credit and successfully progress toward graduation.
30 Jun 2017
Brief

Course Progression for Students Who Fail Algebra I in Ninth Grade

Online courses can serve as a practical way for students to recover credit in courses they have failed. This research brief, one in a series investigating the implementation and impacts of the credit recovery courses in the Back on Track Study, describes the study findings for students’ math course accumulation and high school graduation by the end of their fourth year of high school.
Topic: 
Education, Mathematics Education, Technology for Teaching and Learning
30 Jun 2017
Brief

The Effect of Online Versus Face-to-Face Credit Recovery in Algebra on High School Credit Accumulation and Graduation

Online courses can serve as a practical way for students to recover credit in courses they have failed. This research brief, one in a series investigating the implementation and impacts of the credit recovery courses in the Back on Track Study, describes the study findings for students’ math course accumulation and high school graduation by the end of their fourth year of high school..
Topic: 
Education, Mathematics Education, Technology for Teaching and Learning
24 May 2017
Service

Using Networked Improvement Communities to Improve Educational Practice

It takes real-world, face-to-face partnerships among a variety of stakeholders at the school, district, and state levels, with support from researchers to improve education at the school and district levels. A networked improvement community (NIC) is a group of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds solving problems together; AIR experts study the effectiveness of NICs and continuous improvement and know what works and what might not.
Topic: 
Education, District and School Improvement, Technology for Teaching and Learning
17 Feb 2017
Infographic

Retaking Algebra: Comparing Online and Face-to-Face Credit Recovery for At-Risk Students

What happens when students try to make up algebra credits virtually instead of in a classroom setting? In this infographic, we share the results from an AIR study, The Back on Track Study: Using Online Courses for Credit Recovery.
Topic: 
Education, Mathematics Education, Technology for Teaching and Learning
2 Feb 2017
Blog Post

Making Up for Failing Algebra, Online vs Traditional Summer School

Failing high school algebra can have serious consequences, and students are increasingly turning to online courses to recover algebra credits. What happens when students try to make up algebra credits virtually instead of in a classroom setting? In this blog post, Kirk Walters shares new findings from a study comparing course content and student outcomes for 1,200 Chicago Public School Students in credit recovery courses.
Topic: 
Education, Mathematics Education, Technology for Teaching and Learning
1 Feb 2017
Report

Getting Back on Track: What Math Content Is Taught and Learned in Online and Face-to-Face Algebra Credit Recovery Courses?

Online courses can serve as a practical way for students to recover credit in courses they have failed. These courses provide flexibility and convenience for schools and students; some may also have the potential to present course content in a more engaging and customized way than a standard face-to-face course. The Back on Track Study is an ongoing study of online versus face-to-face credit recovery for at-risk ninth graders. This research brief evaluates the content provided in online and face-to-face algebra credit recovery courses and reveals possible differences based on instructor preferences and district guidelines.
Topic: 
Education, Mathematics Education, Technology for Teaching and Learning
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