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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Smartphones Help Improve Math Test Scores


Banning cellphone use in the classroom is still common because of the disruptions the devices may cause. Now, the Wireless Reach Initiative has shown that when smartphones are given to low-income students, standardized test scores go up, according to a report from Mashable.

In fact, a program funded by Qualcomm Inc. showed an improvement of 30% on math test scores by freshmen who were issued smartphones at several schools in North Carolina taking part in the Project K-Nect initiative.

Project K-Nect was designed to increase math skills in at-risk secondary students through the use of smartphones. The program has been expanded to students in grades 8-12 in North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio.

“Not everyone has a TV, a PC, or electricity, but we’re approaching the point where everyone can have [Internet] access,” said Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of Qualcomm, which provided funds for the project. “The umbrella coverage of these wireless networks has really reached the four corners of the world.”