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"The Idaho Technology Initiative: An Accountability Report to the Idaho Legislature on the Effects of Monies Spent Through the Idaho Council for Technology and Learning," State Division of Vocational Education, State Department of Education, Bureau of Technology Services.

http://www.pte.state.id.us/document/public.htm

Date of Study:

1999

Basis of Study:

The Idaho Technology Initiative provided $10.4 million per year between 1994-98 for the purchase and integration of technology into the K-12 public school systems and established the Idaho Council for Technology in Learning (ICTL). The ICTL created eight goals for technology integration in Idaho's schools by which to evaluate the impact of the state's investment; developed statewide performance indicators; addressed impact, costs, and benefits of ICTL funded projects; and tracked progress and funds spent to achieve the performance indicators.

Focus of Study:

A three-tiered data collection design using statewide tests, research studies, student surveys and technology examples was implemented to measure the effectiveness of technology in Idaho's public schools. Description of the tiers is as follows:

Tier One--An assessment which measures the relationship of technology with academic gain and can be generalized across statewide population of Idaho's K-12 public school students.
Tier Two--Reporting of regional technology studies which target specific learning outcomes.
Tier Three--Reporting of descriptive examples supporting regional and statewide assessments.

Each level of data was used to answer a key question for each of the goals.

Findings Based on Specified Goals:

Integration of Technology: A positive relationship between academic performance in core studies, language, math, and reading and the integration of technology can be shown in Idaho's K-12 schools. Both 8th and 11th grade groups increased their technological literacy as a result of exposure to technology.
Compatibility: Results from school districts revealed extensive use of Internet and email by both teachers and students in addition to moderate use of Idaho's Distance Learning facilities.
Teacher Preparation: Schools and colleges of education have worked together to effectively prepare teachers to teach using technology.
Collaboration with Communities and Businesses: Community members, businesses, and post-secondary institutions have made significant investments and have been involved in the implementation and use of technology in schools.
Technology Systems Enhancing the Efficient Operation of Idaho Schools: Schools have used technology such as email, Internet, and electronic data storage to improve administrative efficiency in school operations.
Training of Students to Maintain Technology: Students have been given the opportunity through the Technology Support Technician Program to install, maintain, and support technology.