Web-Based Technology Has Immediate Impact on Student Success in Higher Education, Landmark McGraw-Hill Study Finds

Victoria, B.C. - June 10, 2003 - The results of the fourth in a series of landmark studies presented by McGraw-Hill Ryerson indicate that web-based technology is helping instructors achieve teaching objectives and has a positive impact on student attitudes and achievement. The study directly examines the impact and fascinating shift that extensive use of web-based technology has made on student success and on institutions of higher learning.

Some distinct trends in faculty members' attitudes toward and the use of technology for teaching and learning are emerging after the fourth year of data collection.  In 1999, only 22% of faculty participants regarded technology as very or extremely important for achieving success; in 2002, figures have risen to 57%. The survey indicates that technology has increased dramatically in terms of importance, approaching the 68% of respondents that rate training/professional development as very or extremely important. Sixty percent of respondents assigned a high level of importance to course website use in achieving teaching objectives.

"Web-based technology seems to have become so pervasive in educational life that its importance is being eclipsed by its ubiquity," said Petra M. Cooper, President of Higher Education, McGraw-Hill Ryerson. "It is remarkable that 84% of faculty report satisfaction in their efforts to successfully integrate technology into their courses."

The 'Technology and Student Success' survey was originated by McGraw-Hill Ryerson and probes the impact of the use of technology in the higher education community. This year's study focused on the impact of e-learning and Web technology on student success and was redesigned to give more emphasis to actual behavior than perceptions. An independent research company, under the guidance of an advisory board of college and university faculty members and senior administrators designed and conducted the survey.

This is the only study of its kind in Canada. Data was gathered from 1,177 Canadian university and college instructors from a range of disciplines. The report presents the major findings from the 2002 research study in the context of the Canadian results and those from a concurrent American study.

"Having specific data on the impact of technology on the Canadian higher education classrooms provides invaluable insight on the ways college and university instructors are integrating technology into their course work, why they use it and what challenges they face," said Dr. Bill Muirhead, Associate Provost, Learning Technologies, University of Ontario, Institute of Technology.

The findings were offered as part of a plenary panel discussion at the McGraw-Hill Ryerson Teaching, Technology and Learning conference at Victoria B.C. on Tuesday, June 10.  Dr. Catherine Henderson, Chief Information Officer, Government of Ontario, Information Technology, facilitated the panel. 

The 30-page report may be purchased for $24.95. To order copies please visit:

http://www.mcgrawhill.ca/highereducation/administrators/

About McGraw-Hill Ryerson

McGraw-Hill Ryerson publishes and distributes educational and professional products in both electronic and print formats. These products are designed to fulfill the individual needs of customers by providing effective and innovative educational and learning solutions. Based in Whitby, Ontario, McGraw-Hill Ryerson is operated independently, in close cooperation with various divisions and international subsidiaries of its majority shareholder, The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.

About The McGraw Hill Companies:

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than more than 320 offices in 34 countries. Sales in 2002 were $4.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.