With the new year in full swing, many of us look forward to fulfilling our new year’s resolutions. From reading more books to simply drinking enough water, we aim to combat what we see as problems by enacting change. With this being said, we can all agree that if we see a need to make a change, we ought to take it. Looking at the test scores of our nation, it is clear to see that there is a big problem that we ought to address.

The Nation’s Report Card, a study annually released by the U.S. Department of Education, showed that test scores all across the nation dropped significantly. Math, a subject in which we have seen falling grades in, has continued down this trajectory. The average Math score for fourth graders fell 5 points since 2019, while the score for eighth graders dropped even more by 8 points. In reading, average scores for both grades fell by 3 points.

While this may be a major issue we will have to overcome, several states having scored in areas that fall over 10 points, there is a solution. While the COVID-19 pandemic did not help with education scores, a proven method of increasing test scores is increasing computer access. Looking at a study conducted on the scores of students given computers, both English/Language Arts and Math scores increase when given 24/7 laptop computers.

One way in which computers can be used to improve student test scores is by providing access to a range of learning resources, including online tutorials, interactive lessons, and educational games. These resources can help students to review and practice important concepts, which can enhance their understanding of the material and lead to higher test scores.

In addition, computers can also be used to facilitate collaborative learning, allowing students to work together and share ideas online. This can create a more engaging and interactive learning environment, which can be beneficial for student motivation and achievement.

Finally, computers can also be used to administer and grade tests and assignments, allowing for more efficient and accurate assessment of student learning. This can provide valuable feedback to students, helping them to identify areas where they need to improve and focus their efforts on those areas.

Overall, it is clear that using computers in the classroom can be an effective way to improve student test scores, as long as they are used as a tool to support instruction and learning, rather than as a replacement for traditional teaching methods. While this may not always be the most affordable option, using cloud computing technologies such as the one we offer here at 2nd Desk, we give those who cannot access powerful computers the access they need to succeed through cloud-computing technology that can be used on any device. With this, we aim to give those who would otherwise not be able to access programs they need to learn and succeed at a significantly lower price point.