Too often, though, these are not the attributes students find at school. For example, one student described going to school as being like flying on an airplane. He has to turn off all his digital devices, strap himself in, and wait until the end of the flight to resume his digital life.
The disconnect between a student’s digital life and school matters because students learn better when they are engaged, and research about what engages them points to technology. Numerous studies have shown that effective integration of technology into teaching and learning can result in higher levels of student achievement.
The link between technology, engagement, and achievement is especially important for our K-12 schools because by government mandate, their mission has evolved from providing an opportunity for young people to learn to making sure they do. When students must learn, motivating them to learn becomes essential.