K-12 Technology Tools & Trends 2012

K-12 Technology Tools & Trends 2012 provides crucial business intelligence on the expanding use of technology tools in U.S. schools. The tools discussed in the report are interactive whiteboards (IWBs), projectors, document cameras, desktop computers, laptop/netbook computers, tablet computers/iPads, ereaders, MP3 players/iPods, smartphones and student response systems/clickers.

InteractiveWhiteboards Used in 29.5% of Classrooms for at least 5.1 Hours a Day: SimbaInformation

Stamford, CT - April 16, 2012 --Publishingforecast firm Simba Information revealed interactivewhiteboards (IWBs) were used in 29.5% of K-12 classrooms for at least 5.1hours a day. In a recent report by the publisher, IWBs were found to have themost penetration of any recent tech device, with an average usage of over 70%in all major subject areas in elementary schools.

IWBs were reported to have had a significant impact on studentachievement by 60.7% of respondents in an MCH Strategic Data survey. Accordingto the report, almost as many teachers reported using IWBs  for more than 5.1 hours a day as those whoreported using them for less than 3 hours a day.

"The biggest difference between our 2009 study and this report isthe increased use of technology in the classroom,"said Kathy Mickey, senior analyst for Simba Information. "It's becoming anorm that devices are used throughout the school day."

IWBs are being used in all major subject areas, with the highest use inmathematics followed by reading/ELA, according to the report. IWBs are theleading new device and have become a tool for connecting educators to other newdevices, such as clickers, tablets, smartphones, MP3 players and others. Theyare followed by desktop computers, laptops and projectors which have beenaround in schools much longer.

"Interactive Whiteboards have become a fixture in classrooms andare being used more by educators," said Mickey. "They have helpedspur the use of a spectrum of devices by enabling users to gain comfort withtechnology."

The Simba Information report, "K-12Tech Tools and Trends 2012," is built around an MCH Strategic Datasurvey sent out to school district educators, administrators and technology directorswho are responsible for implementing technology in the classroom. The report coversa plethora of devices, including interactive whiteboards, projectors, documentcameras, desktop computers, laptop/netbook computers, tablet computers/iPads, eReaders,MP3 players/iPods, smartphones and student response systems/clickers.  It reveals which technology tools are beingdeployed in the classroom, how much time is spent using them, and where thedigital curriculum being used comes from. It also gives an insider's look atthe funding environment and the factors influencing purchasing decisions.