AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Technology continues to play a critical role in K-12 education. Not surprisingly, 100 percent of the 43 participants interviewed by CompassLearning at the recent 2012 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference say that technology plays some role in the education of students at their school or school district. However, 37 percent say that professional development for teachers to help them embrace and properly use the vast array of technology options currently available is critical to the success of technology integration in the classroom. On the flipside, 30 percent of those interviewed believe technology presents a tremendous opportunity for students and teachers by giving them access to virtually unlimited resources across the Internet.

It is clear that the future success of our students, teachers and districts will be incumbent upon the successful use of technology to create 21st century learning environments, said Fred Waugh, vice president of marketing for Compass Learning. The attendees at ISTE overwhelmingly embrace the need to implement technology. However, selecting technology that supports strong academic outcomes, as well as training teachers to use technology to engage students that are digital natives, can be a challenge. Thats one of the reasons weve made it a priority to support our personal learning solutions with the most comprehensive professional development program in the industry. We want to help teachers fully embrace the technology available to them so that they are empowered to engage students in learning anytime, anywhere.

Key Findings from the Interviews:

Forty-three attendees of the 2012 ISTE conference were interviewed, responding to four questions about technology use in the classroom, the biggest challenge facing education and the biggest opportunity for education. While not statistically valid, the direction of the answers is enlightening. For video compilation of the interviews, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fJIjA6wVSU.

About Compass Learning

Compass Learning provides K-12 educational software that empowers teachers to unlock every students potential for academic success and personal growth. Compass Learning takes a student-centered approach by providing comprehensive solutions that address the needs of every student and student-type to create personalized learning and differentiation programs that reach, engage, and inspire students to succeed. Teachers and administrators can more efficiently and effectively manage and measure progress, freeing time to focus on delivering academic results. Both of the companys software solutions, CompassLearning Odyssey and the Renzulli Learning System deliver academic rigor that is based on more than 40 years of research into how students learn and are aligned to state and Common Core Standards to support classroom and district accountability. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Compass Learning serves more than 7,800 schools across the United States.

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ISTE 2012 Attendees Say Professional Development is Crucial to Technology Success in Classroom, According to ...