The National Science Education Standards are now recommending that technology classes be included as part of the science curriculum, rather than as an elective class. This will raise the importance of the class by making it a general requirement for all students, and create a need for more teachers educated in the technology field (Sanders 2-3). The main concern when implementing new technology in the classrooms is making sure that the teachers are educated enough and informed about the proper way to teaching technology so that it will be effective. Laura M. O’Dwyer et al. conducted a study to look at the relationship between computer use at home and school and the effect it had on students’ English/Language Arts test scores. They found evidence that suggested different types of technology affect student achievement in different ways. For example, when it is used for writing, technology positively impacts students’ written achievement. However, when the use of technology is limited to creating multimedia presentations, it has a negative impact on students writing achievements. That is because there is little writing involved in creating the multimedia presentations. (O'Dwyer and Russell 11-12).

There are many different opinions and outcomes on technology and student achievement. Many factors have to do with socioeconomic status, family life, the differences between schools, individual students, etc. Nowadays in middle and high school, students may have a few computers in the classroom, depending on the school. They may use them once in awhile when doing labs or doing activities. Most students, however, need computers more at home when doing research for a project and typing up papers. It is hard for students who can not afford computers and do not know how to use them. They will be at an even bigger disadvantage as more and more technology is being used. Some schools do, however, offer some types of computer classes as elective courses. This can be advantageous for the students if the teachers can effectively teach and use the technology.