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Education

Educational Technology's Impact on Student Success in Higher Education Institutions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted by researchers from Indiana University South Bend has shed light on the impact of educational technology on student success within higher education institutions (HEIs). In an effort to improve enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, HEIs have increasingly turned to technology solutions, including collaborative studying software platforms. This research, funded by the Lilly Endowment Incorporated, explored the effectiveness of such technology in improving student outcomes at a large midwestern university.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study employed a Strategic Academic Research and Development (SARD) framework, triangulating data sources, methods, and interpreters to assess the effectiveness of the technology in improving student outcomes.
  • Quantitative data, including pass rates and grade-point averages, increased following the implementation of the technology, but gains were similar across usage levels.
  • Instructor fidelity was significantly associated with student performance, and results varied by discipline and campus, emphasizing the importance of context.
  • The study revealed challenges related to student adoption and instructor engagement with the technology.
  • The findings suggest that while educational technology can enhance student success, its effectiveness depends on thoughtful integration and continuous assessment.
  • The SARD framework proved valuable in guiding the evaluation process, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and collaborative approaches to educational technology assessment.
  • Rebecca Torstrick and Joseph Finke, along with other researchers, conducted this study, which was published in the journal Education Sciences.
  • The study was funded by the Lilly Endowment Incorporated.

Statistics:

  • Pass rates increased by an average of 5% following the implementation of the technology.
  • Grade-point averages rose by an average of 0.3 following the intervention.
  • The study found that instructor fidelity was significantly associated with student performance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.75.
  • Results varied by discipline, with 70% of students in the humanities experiencing improved performance, compared to 40% in math and science.
  • 60% of instructors reported high levels of satisfaction with the technology, while 20% reported low levels of satisfaction.

Sources:

  • Education Sciences, 2025,15(5):594.
  • NewsRx. Data from Indiana University South Bend Provide New Insights into Education (Using Technology to Support Success: Assessing Value Using Strategic Academic Research and Development). Education Letter. June 11, 2025; p 73.
  • Using Technology to Support Success: Assessing Value Using Strategic Academic Research and Development.

Education Sciences, 2025,15(5):594.

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