Geography Achievement and Opportunity to Learn: A Focus on Computer and Educational Technology

Abstract

Abstract Computers and geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems, Google Earth, and the Global Positioning System (GPS) are increasingly common tools for geography instruction in schools. The NAEP Data Explorer was used to conduct an analysis of geography achievement in the eighth grade based on differences in students’ access to and uses of computers and other technologies at home and school. The analysis over the study period (1994–2018) documents the emergence of technologies available to support geography instruction. Results point to differences in geography achievement associated with differential access to technology and applications of technology for geographic learning.