Technology for Teaching and Learning

Children at computers

Technology offers tremendous promise for student learning. The upsurge of devices and digital learning platforms, along with external events impacting instruction and student learning, have increased the emphasis states, districts, and schools place on educational technology. The importance of using technology effectively as a tool for teaching and learning has always been a recognized priority for AIR. The use of technology in education also raises challenges, including those related to equity of access, cost-effectiveness, teacher professional development, assessment, privacy, and safety. AIR is poised to support the field in addressing these challenges. We are a leader in evidence-based, technology-driven classroom practices and online strategies that enhance learning for all students, including those with special needs.

Our Services

Drawing upon an interdisciplinary team of experts who work side-by-side with education leaders, AIR designs and delivers technical assistance, research, and evaluation studies to unlock the potential of technology to drive improvements in teaching and learning. Our work includes, but is not limited to:

Education technology research and evaluation

  • Rigorous implementation and outcome evaluations studying technology program effectiveness
  • Education technology product evaluations
  • Research studies on online and blended learning programs

Technical assistance to improve technology program planning, implementation, and policy

  • Data based, differentiated strategic planning and implementation support for the development of new technology programs and continuous improvement support for existing programs
  • Professional learning, including communities of practice and tool development to support effective use of technology to address the needs of all learners
  • Design and facilitation of networked improvement communities to solve technology integration challenges using continuous improvement methodologies.
Key Work

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

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

Innovations in Distance Education: Datacasting

Inclusive Technology in a 21st Century Learning System

National Education Technology Plan

Latest Work

31 Mar 2021
Report

A Framework for Considering Device and Interface Features That May Affect Student Performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress

A recent challenge to maintaining NAEP trends has arisen with the exploration of new testing methods and question types that reflect the growing use of technology in education. The purpose of this white paper is to provide a framework for considering device and interface features that may affect student performance on digital NAEP assessments, and to prioritize the variables that should be examined in further validity studies.
19 Jan 2021
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.
Project

Innovations in Distance Education: Datacasting

While many schools and districts have relied on educational technology to help counter the effects of COVID-19, approximately 658,000 households in the U.S. lack readily available internet access; datacasting can help alleviate the stress of not having broadband access. AIR is bringing together stakeholders from state education agencies, libraries, and public broadcast stations to discuss best practices and to address potential hurdles in datacasting implementation.
Image of students at computers with masks
7 Dec 2020
Spotlight

Computer Science for Educators and Students

AIR has built a strong portfolio of computer science (CS) projects through our CS@AIR initiative. We support more than a dozen projects—all with a focus on ensuring that every student gets access to a high-quality computer science education.
Illustration of woman with cell phone
1 Dec 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.
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.
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.
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