The Speak Up 2007 survey reveals a growing "digital disconnect" between students and their teachers and parents about the role of technology for learning, and how well schools are doing to prepare students for the jobs of the future.

More than 40% of middle and high school students stated that teachers limit their use of technology in schools. Forty-five percent of middle and high school students indicated that tools meant to protect them, such as firewalls and filters are inhibiting their learning.

Students continue to be on the leading edge in terms of adopting, modifying and re-using digital content and technology tools to enrich both their personal and educational lives. The students in many ways are far ahead of their teachers and parents not only in the sophistication of their technology use, but in the adoption of emerging technologies for learning purposes.

It is in our nation's best interest that we support and facilitate student usage of technology for learning. "They want to explore with it, and we can't and we shouldn't hold them back," observes a sponsor of the survey, Christina V. Rother, CDW-G group vice president, public sector.

Mobile Technologies

The gap is most obvious with mobile technologies, one of three emerging technologies added to the2007 survey. Large numbers of students have some type of mobile device and they want to be able to use it in school.

• Over 33% of K-12 students stated they have personal access to a laptop
• 35% of K-5 students, 52% of students in grades 6-8, and 67% of high school students have a cell phone
• 75% of middle and high students have an MP3 player resulting in an average 58% increase in MP3 access of over 2006 across grades K-12.

Online Learning

Online learning and educational gaming were also added to the survey. While the use of online learning remains very small, interest is growing.

• More than 33% of high school students, 24% of middle school students, and 19% of 3 - 5 grade students with no previous online class experience stated they would like to take an online class, with girls having a slightly stronger interest than boys;
• 45% of school and district administrators identified online learning as a way to boost student engagement; and,
• 33% of teachers have explored how to incorporate online learning into their classroom.

When students were asked why they would be interested in online learning:

• Over one-quarter of all students, grades 3 -12, see online courses as a way to work at their own learning pace;
• High school students were most interested in earning college credit (43%);
• Middle school students are seeking extra help in a subject (39%), and;
• Elementary students view it as a new way to learn something (31%)

One-third of teachers surveyed said they were interested in online learning for professional development

Educational Gaming

Gaming, while a part of most students' out-of-school routines, is not high on the list of educational desires. Teachers however, at least 65% of them, believe gaming will help engage in their students. A smaller percentage of students see potential for gaming in the classroom. Perhaps there is an opportunity for educator leadership with technology after all.

Additional findings and special reports from the survey will be released throughout the year.

Sources:
Speak Up 2007 for Students, Teachers, Parents & School Leaders Selected National Findings - April 8, 2008

Students Want the 21st Century Classroom, but Schools Not Meeting Student Expectations, According to Latest National Study