More Divide…And More NC…Always More NC…

Here’s an interesting study on student computer use at home (pdf).   Finds a modest negative effect on student achievement.   Seems surprising at first but if you think about it there are a lot of fun things to do on a computer unsupervised that are not necessarily about learning.    Also, some interesting data on the issue formerly known as the digital divide.  It’s still around.   The paper will be discussed on Dec. 10 at a Harvard Program on Education Policy and Governance session you can attend.

As an aside, hopefully as more states implement better data systems we’ll see more research from more states.  Right now the extent to which North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas are driving the debate is a little disconcerting…