TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 28, 2015) -
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A new national study released today finds that 88% of Canadian teachers and 80% of parents agree with the use of technology in the classroom. Providing a national voice to those closest to students, Parents and Teachers on Education asked both groups to share their perspective on Canada's education system.
Both audiences also go so far as to say they believe that the future of education in Canada depends on how effectively we integrate technology into the classroom.
84% of teachers reported that the use of tech leads to higher student engagement with lesson plans, and 78% of teachers agree that students learn more effectively when it is integrated within the lesson. Teachers provided insight on the tools they currently leverage in the classroom, which include:
- 68% incorporate Microsoft Office
- 67% incorporate video
- 33% incorporate gaming
- 32% incorporate social networking
Technology is a teaching and learning instrument and, when used effectively, can empower personalized learning and improve outcomes for students. However, teachers and parents agree there is room to improve. While both groups are optimistic about technology's potential to enhance education, the study revealed a shortfall of 20% or more in perceptions on its present effectiveness.
With a number of education technology tools available, 67% of teachers find it difficult to stay on top of the latest offering and at present only 56% feel they are adequately trained to enable 21st Century learning within their classrooms. Teachers are taking action to close this gap, ranking integration of technology in the classroom as the top professional development opportunity currently sought.
Access to devices at home and at school is a concern, as 40% of teachers believe that students do not presently have sufficient access. In fact, both parents and teachers ranked greater access to devices as the number one choice when asked what their school board could do to improve the quality of students' education. More than 80% of grade 3 - 8 teachers assign homework requiring access to a device, and 70% requiring access to productivity software.
In preparing students for their futures, 85% of teachers agree that knowing how to use Microsoft Office is a critical success factor for post-secondary and career readiness.
"We conducted this study to better understand the role technology currently plays in education, and how we can help parents and teachers equip children with the skills they need to be prepared for the future," says Microsoft Canada's President, Janet Kennedy. "While teachers are in alignment on the power of technology, we know that technology is a tool that only enables better learning environments when it is thoughtfully integrated with the curriculum."
Microsoft is committed to being a partner in education, with programs designed to empower parents, teachers and students to achieve more through training, resources and education savings. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that over four million Canadian students were eligible to access Office at no cost, saving families up to $200 million. Students can check their eligibility at microsoft.ca/freeoffice.
The national parent-teacher study was conducted online on behalf of Microsoft Canada in August 2015 and polled 422 teachers and 507 parents across Canada. The survey had a margin of error of 3% and a confidence level of 95%.
To find out more information about the programs listed, please visit: microsoft.ca/education
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
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Contact Information:
additional research findings, contact:
Jennifer Jesson
j.jesson@interceptgroup.com
(416) 479-4200 ext. 322
