Here is a preview of MDR’s latest research on technology’s use in the classroom, based on the feedback from nearly 4,400 educators.
MDR’s Market Research and Marketing Teams have done it again, releasing the second report in the 2018 series, Teachers Talk Technology. Administering a nationwide survey, as well as an online bulletin board to K-12 teachers, the respondents were eager to share their favorite devices, apps, websites, learning management systems, and more. Survey responses and qualitative perceptions from over 4,400 teachers create a snapshot of how they are using classroom technologies, as well as the benefits and challenges technology creates.
Internet Access:
Over three-fourths (77%) of teachers reported that wireless internet access is available to them and their students in most places in their schools. Though the speed varied, this is a good sign that the majority of schools are connected. The report also discusses programs like e-rate, designed to fill the internet accessibility gaps that still exist today.
Devices Accessibility
Teachers reported that they have 77% access to PC computers, and 18% access to Macs. Sixty six percent said they had access to classroom projectors, 54% to interactive white boards, and 9% to 3D printers. Mobile computer carts safely store and re-charge tablets and other handheld devices, and can usually house anywhere from 16 – 48 units, depending on classroom needs and budget. Teachers reported having access to these carts at varying rates.
Top Device Brands
Chromebooks continue to dominate the K-12 Edu space, with 26% use overall, compared with 14% use of PCs, 11% use of iPads, and 3% use of MACs. Different circumstances like whether a school is also 1:1, versus having a computer lab with an established set of desktop computers affects these totals, but schools are moving more towards handheld tablets, generally. On the topic of 1:1 schools, 12% of teachers reported they are a 1:1 school – which indicates that every student is equipped at school and at home with a device. This differs from a bring your own device policy (BYOD), which indicates that teachers allow students to bring their own devices into the classroom for use in their lessons and activities. Six percent of teachers indicated they were BYOD.
Top Apps Used in the Classroom
Google came out on top again, with Google Classroom, used by 44% of teachers both as an LMS and for its individual apps and features. Kahoot came in second with 41% use, followed by Remind (30%), Quizlet (27%) and Khan Academy (25%).
Teacher Voices
In the Online Bulletin Board, teachers provided commentary on a variety of issues, and here are a few examples of their opinions:
“Chromebooks are helpful, particularly for those students who might not have a computer at home. The Smartboard is helpful because we access web sites and show videos to support a topic. Students can write papers and upload them to a school website.”
“Technology has helped teachers by turning the world into a professional learning community. It provides us with a global resource to improve our classrooms through the sharing of ideas.”
“Some students are SO motivated by technology that they do not want to nor do they understand how to do paper pencil work. They have lost out on the deep-thinking process and application of knowledge and would rather play games. These are lifelong skills that student need to have.”
This report serves as a summary and analysis of the findings in the survey, and is the second report in our annual series, The State of the K-12 Market. It can be used to inform business leaders on what the most popular products and brands are in education, to help make sound choices for their products and services. For information on past reports, you can get a sneak peek of our first report – The K-12 Education Landscape – in our post from April.
Over the next few months we’ll share more insights from Teachers Talk Technology that will surely help providers understand the trends in the educational technology market.
Questions about the data in this report? You can reach us directly by calling 800-333-8802 or emailing us at mdrinfo@dnb.com.
