week 8 - Computers 'do not improve' pupil results, says OECD

Investing heavily in school computers and classroom technology does not improve pupils' performance, says a global study from the OECD. 

The think tank says frequent use of computers in schools is more likely to be associated with lower results.The OECD's education director Andreas Schleicher says school technology had raised "too many false hopes"

The report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development examines the impact of school technology on international test results, such as the Pisa tests taken in more than 70 countries and tests measuring digital skills.

It says education systems which have invested heavily in information and communications technology have seen "no noticeable improvement" in Pisa test results for reading, mathematics or science.

• "If you look at the best-performing education systems, such as those in East Asia, they've been very cautious about using technology in their classrooms," said Mr Schleicher.
• "Those students who use tablets and computers very often tend to do worse than those who use them moderately."

In my opinion, I disagree with the statement of computers not improving pupils results. Yes, it may distract pupils. However, computers also benefit pupils, as it allows them to reach and search certain information that may not be able to be accessed through books etc. Therefore, computers to benefit pupils, to an extent.