Skip to page content

Educational Software

Journal Article
Designing Automated Writing Evaluation Systems for Ambitious Instruction and Classroom Integration
In this chapter, we consider the role of AI tools to support ambitious teaching practices on a sustained basis. We anchor our discussion in the use of automated writing evaluation (AWE) systems that provide formative feedback.
Jan 4, 2023
Journal Article
Accelerated Reader: Evaluation Report and Project Addendum
Accelerated Reader (AR), developed by Renaissance Learning, is a digital whole-class reading management and monitoring programme that aims to foster independent reading among primary and secondary pupils.
Jul 28, 2021
Report
Did Experience with Digital Instructional Materials Help Teachers Implement Remote Learning During COVID-19?
Understanding how teachers used digital materials leading up to the pandemic can shed light on how prepared they were to pivot to virtual learning. Where are some areas in which additional supports could be helpful in using digital materials for both virtual and in-person instruction?
May 4, 2021
Commentary
The Importance of Gathering Evidence of Edtech Impact
Given the increased reliance on technology to support learning, now may be a good time for educational technology companies to start thinking more seriously about the data they collect and how they use it.
Apr 27, 2021
Commentary
What Do Teachers Want to See in Automated Writing Evaluation Systems?
Automated writing evaluation systems offer a promising approach to relieving the burden of giving formative feedback to students on their writing. What do teachers want to see in these systems so that the technology can be integrated into their teaching?
Jul 28, 2020
Journal Article
Implementing an Adaptive Intelligent Tutoring System as an Instructional Supplement
This article studies the implementation of ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) in a blended-learning model. This is the first rigorous experimental evaluation of ALEKS in K–12 in-school settings, and the first to gather extensive implementation data.
Mar 10, 2020
Report
Evaluation of a Technology-based Intervention for Reading in UK Classroom Settings
RAND Europe found in a UK randomised controlled trial that classes of primary school children randomly allocated to receive a technology-based education intervention using Microsoft's Immersive Reader performed as well as business-as-usual classes.
Jan 29, 2020
Journal Article
Digital Feedback in Primary Maths: Evaluation Report
This report evaluates the efficacy of a digital feedback programme designed to maximise the impact of teachers' feedback on pupil outcome.
Oct 1, 2019
Report
Artificial Intelligence Applications to Support Teachers
Artificial intelligence could support teachers rather than replace them. But before the promise of AI in the classroom can be realized, risks and technical challenges must be addressed.
Jan 23, 2019
Report
Privacy and Interoperability Challenges Could Limit the Benefits of Education Technology
The rise of education technology brings increased opportunity for the collection and application of data. This presents challenges, including data infrastructure issues that could limit the usefulness of data, and privacy concerns.
Oct 2, 2018
Report
Evaluation of the Creating College and Career Readiness Initiative in Kentucky
This report presents findings from an evaluation of the Creating College and Career Readiness initiative, which used a suite of personalized software in the kindergarten-12th grade setting in rural Kentucky schools.
Sep 27, 2018
Project
“T” Is for Technology: Early Childhood Education and the Digital Divide
Despite the central and growing role of digital technology for knowledge-based work, children in low-income families have relatively limited access to computer-based devices, software applications, and the Internet. “T” Is for Technology explored the potential for early childhood education to help narrow this digital divide.
Mar 3, 2014
Blog
Cognitive Tutor: Encouraging Signs for Computers in the Classroom
A first-year algebra curriculum that blends tutoring software with conventional textbook learning had a positive effect for high school algebra students. Researchers found significant improvements—a change equivalent to moving from the 50th percentile to the 58th on an algebra posttest.
Nov 19, 2013
Research Brief
Does an Algebra Course with Tutoring Software Improve Student Learning?
A “blended” approach that combines traditional textbook learning and computer-based instruction could help improve performance among algebra students.
Nov 18, 2013
Report
Making Improvements to The Army Distributed Learning Program
Assesses the performance of The Army Distributed Learning Program (TADLP) and looks at ways to strengthen the Army's interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) program by improving both the quality of the product and the efficiency of the process.
Mar 28, 2012
Journal Article
Educating the Families of Nursing Home Residents: A Pilot Study Using a Computer-Based System
Computer-based interactive videos can be used to educate family members of nursing home residents on dementia care.
Jan 1, 2003
Report
ESSCOTS For Learning: Transforming Commercial Software Into Powerful Educational Tools
This paper discusses ESSCOTS systems—Educational Support Systems based on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf software.
Jan 1, 1998
Report
The Cost of School-Based Educational Technology Programs
This report describes the eight case studies of schools that use technology (computer, network, and multimedia equipment) to facilitate classroom instruction provide estimates of what it costs a school to set up a technology program.
Jan 1, 1996

RAND Topic:
Educational Software

Research conducted by

RAND Education and Labor