Research Behind Integrating Technology into the Classroom

Integrating technology has a proven track record for improving student learning as far back as 1987 with ACOT, Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow,  and 1997 with  eMINTS, Enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies.  Both of these models of instruction involve project based learning using technology embeded throughout the curriculum.  Even with these proven models, technology has been slow to become fully integrated into classrooms  because of cost.  In addition to the cost, other studies that relied on software that provided repetitive "drill and practice" for students showed no real gains in student learning, which did not justify the cost.

I am particularly interested a study Ian Jukes mention on January 15, 2010.  In a Michigan study students who were involved in project based learning with technology tested equally well with the traditionally taught control group at the end of a unit.  The real testment was in the follow-up test two years after the study.  The kids who learned the information in the traditional teaching remembered 10% of what they learned.  Students who learned through technology rich project based learning retained 70% of what they learned two years later!

I think there is great evidence in these studies that is worth analyzing.  Would time spent on creating meaningful technology rich project based learning prove to increase student learning and show results on high stake tests?  Are we willing to stray from some comfortable practices that produce adequate progress with high stakes tests?