Title of Study: Using Technology to Enhance Connections Between Home and School: A Research Synthesis

Author(s): William Penuel, Deborah Kim, Vera Michalchik, Sarah Lewis, Barbara Means, Robert Murphy, Christine Korbak, Alexis Whaley, Jacob Allen

Summary:

This study summarizes the results of programs providing laptop computers or home desktop computers to students, programs utilizing technology already in students’ homes, voicemail systems and commercial programs to improve home-school communication on linking home and school.

Sponsoring entity(s): U.S. Department of Education

Date conducted: 2002

Location of the study: This study can be accessed through the SRI International website.

Setting(s) addressed:

• School
• Home

Targeted population(s):

• K-12

Primary sources of evidence used in the study or report:

• Meta-analysis of 19 research studies from 1995 to 2000
• Interviews and observations of selected programs
• Case studies

Primary Technology Application(s) Addressed:

• Internet
• Laptop computers
• Home desktop computers

Major education topic(s) addressed:

• Home-school communication
• Cross-curricular technology integration
• Writing
• Math

Major findings/conclusions:

• Technology programs to link home and school seemed to have a positive effect on technology proficiency, writing, math achievement and home-school communication in half of the programs reviewed.

Practical implications of the findings:

• Technology programs to link home and school were most effective when part of a larger reform program.

Reviewer Comments:

The authors point out that most studies on this topic are done for practical purposes and lack experimental rigor.  The contribution of technology to observed student achievement is difficult to measure when embedded within school reform efforts.