Harvard Education Press

Transforming Schools with Technology
How Smart Use of Digital Tools Helps Achieve Six Key Education Goals

By Andrew A. Zucker

This timely and thoughtful book argues that technology can and will play a central role in efforts to achieve crucial education goals, and that it will be an essential component of further improvement and transformation of schools. Author Andrew A. Zucker develops his arguments by drawing on the most up-to-the-minute information about digital technologies and what we know about how they affect teaching and learning in real schools.

The book is marked not only by Zucker’s cutting-edge sophistication about digital technologies, but also by his longstanding engagement with and commitment to K-12 education. It is destined to be recognized as the crucial volume on digital technology and education, and it will be essential reading for school leaders and teachers, policymakers, and those members of the general public—among them parents and engaged citizens—for whom the fate of education is a vital concern.

Recent Review:

"Transforming Schools with Techology by Andrew A. Zucker, is a profound and thorough examination of the current role of technology in our schools and suggestions for how we might employ technology in the transformation of schools. ... This is an outstanding resource for teachers and administrators." -reviewed in March/April 2008 issue of Connect: Teachers' Innovations in K-8 Science, Math, and Technology

Advance Praise:

“Too much of the debate over technology in education has been about whether it is needed. Andrew Zucker cogently makes the case for shifting our focus to how to use technology effectively. It is time to move beyond techno-cheerleading and focus on the educational leadership and vision it takes to use technology to transform learning. Finding that thoughtful balance is why every educator and policymaker should read Transforming Schools with Technology.”
—Keith R. Krueger, CEO, Consortium for School Networking

“Transforming Schools with Technology shows how technology must be an integral part of any effort to redesign and improve schools. It emphasizes the importance of visionary leaders and how—with the smart use of digital technologies—necessary reforms can occur in our schools and classrooms.”
—Nancy Roche, Board Chair, Forsyth County Schools, Georgia
(2007 National Technology & Learning Salute District)

“Andrew Zucker’s book is an indispensable resource for educators and decisionmakers—a balanced, coherent, and insightful discussion about the use of computers and digital tools on behalf of enhanced teaching and learning in our schools. Zucker’s firsthand experience of technology programs at the national, state, and local levels provides a unique perspective on both the promise and pitfalls of investing in digital tools. He takes on big and compelling educational goals for technology: making schools engaging and relevant; reaching all students; attracting, preparing, and retaining high-quality teachers; and improving the ways in which we measure and account for learning. Without fanfare or hype—and with a measured, clear, and jargon-free writing style—Zucker shows how some schools are being transformed and why today’s digital tools are essential for students, teachers, and school administrators.”
—Linda G. Roberts, Former Director, Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education

About the Author:

For the past 20 years, Andrew A. Zucker has worked in independent nonprofit organizations as an education researcher, strategic planner, and evaluator, and he is now a senior research scientist at the Concord Consortium.