The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) has released a new practice guide that focuses on promising uses of technologies associated with improving postsecondary student learning outcomes. Research that was eligible for the guide used a comparison group design, included an intervention that used technology to support student learning, involved college students in the United States, was published in 1997 or later, and reported on one or more outcomes in a relevant domain (e.g., academic achievement, credit accumulation and persistence). After considering the evidence, an expert panel drafted the following recommendations and assigned a level of evidence to each:
- Use communication and collaboration tools to increase interaction among students and between students and instructors. (minimal evidence)
- Use varied, personalized, and readily available digital resources to design and deliver instructional content. (moderate evidence)
- Incorporate technology that models and fosters self-regulated learning strategies. (moderate evidence)
- Use technology to provide timely and targeted feedback on student performance. (moderate evidence)
- Use simulation technologies that help students engage in complex problem-solving. (minimal evidence)
The guide provides research-based strategies and examples for implementing each recommendation in a postsecondary setting.