Using Technology To Improve Academic Achievement in Out-of-School-Time Programs in Washington, D.C.

This paper describes implementation of the federal government's DC 21st Century Community Learning Center (DC 21st CCLC) program during the summer of 2001, focusing on the use of computer technology to improve academic achievement. The DC 21st CCLC program provides funding to schools in the District of Columbia to improve their out-of-school-time programs, thus enhancing students' academic success and later employment outcomes. Activities in the 2001 summer programs involved reading and mathematics software programs. Researchers collected data on middle and junior high school students via direct observations of activities, document reviews, interviews with program coordinators and facilitators, and focus groups with student participants. Results revealed that the technology appeared to have been well implemented, with large numbers of well-functioning machines in almost all observed classrooms and generally positive reactions from staff and students. Students tended to be well-behaved and engaged, though they did not appear excited or motivated by their achievement. Student enrollment was somewhat lower than hoped. Observation data suggested that use of the Internet, pretests, and aides could be improved to better support student achievement. Three appendices provide tables, reading and math software, and protocols for site visits. (Contains 13 references.) (SM)