Challenge

Technology can help teachers use more personalized, student-centered approaches for educating their students. However, teachers benefit from instruction in how to use technology effectively. 

The Verizon Foundation’s Innovative Learning Program helps teachers use technology to prepare underserved students for a high-tech, 21st century workplace.  

Verizon asked Westat to evaluate its program’s effectiveness and impact on teaching and learning. Using a mixed-method approach to the evaluation, Westat continues to provide Verizon and school districts with program analysis as they expand their program to more districts.

Solution

The Verizon Foundation’s Innovative Learning Program evaluation seeks to understand the best instructional and program practices of a 1:1 tablet integration into instruction by identifying barriers, trends, and successes related to using technology effectively in the classroom.

Our data collection techniques include

• Surveying teachers and students
• Facilitating parent and student focus groups
• Observing classrooms
• Interviewing teachers and administrators
• Analyzing administrative data 

Results

Our evaluation continues to provide critical information about the Verizon program’s influence on student engagement in learning, academic achievement, and motivation to pursue STEM careers.

The results of the evaluation help school districts more effectively determine technology needs within underserved schools and support the integration of technology and digital literacy in all their schools.