District administrators and principals own more smartphones and tablets than the general U.S. adult population, according to Project Tomorrow’s most recent “Speak Up 2011″ report. The study included responses from 814 district and 3,319 school administrators, noting that more than 70% of school administrators own smartphones (compared with 46% of adults across the U.S.). And of the district administrators with smartphones or tablets, 41% are evaluating “Bring Your Own Technology” initiatives, and 13% are piloting them. The report also indicates that administrators are considering digital content and e-textbooks to cut costs and move away from being reliant on textbook publishers. Of the administrators who use digital content, the majority mentioned five benefits of bringing digital content into the curriculum:
- Engaging students in learning
- Extending learning outside school
- Improving teacher technology skills
- Making instructional materials more relevant
- Personalizing instruction for students