Computers Down

Reason's Hit and Run has the unsurprising story that computers in the classroom do not raise student achievement. Just proves that when it comes to raising achievement content matters most.

A three-year study by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency found "no consistent relationship between computer use and pupil achievement in any subject at any age." In fact, some of the greatest educational gains were made by students who used PCs the least.

Yet, in the US the e-rate and other dubious government technology programs continue to enrich contractors and school officials--even if children rarely use the technology effectively.