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Some studies of the introduction of technology have found an overall negative effect on academic achievement—and in these cases, poor students’ performance suffers more than that of their richer peers.

Why would improved access to the Internet harm the academic performance of poor students in particular? Vigdor and his colleagues speculate that “this may occur because student computer use is more effectively monitored and channeled toward productive ends in more affluent homes.”

mproving the way that technology is employed in learning is an even bigger and more important issue. Addressing it would require a focus on people: training teachers, librarians, parents and children themselves to use computers effectively.

And it would require a focus on knowledge: background knowledge that is both broad and deep.

actively engaged in what they are learning. There’s no need for them to sit quietly in their desks while teachers bestow knowledge upon them. Instead, students participate in more active learning as they work in groups or on the computer, and complete projects and other interesting activities that will help them discover new skills. When students are encouraged to take an active interest in their education, they are more likely to retain the knowledge they’ve gained.

actively engaged in what they are learning. There’s no need for them to sit quietly in their desks while teachers bestow knowledge upon them. Instead, students participate in more active learning as they work in groups or on the computer, and complete projects and other interesting activities that will help them discover new skills. When students are encouraged to take an active interest in their education, they are more likely to retain the knowledge they’ve gained.