Prior to the introduction of technology that facilitated large-study research, those interested in best understanding whether formal education was addressing the needs and interests of students and teachers alike had to rely on a number of time-consuming activities in an effort to collect and interpret reliable data. In this essay, describe how research into educational programs was conducted prior to the introduction of affordable technology and how this research is conducted today. In your conclusion, address the perceived value of research-based policy today compared with the policies that existed prior to the introduction of computer-assisted research.
