Meta-analyses of Large-Scale Datasets: A Tool for Assessing the Impact of Information and Communication Technology in Education

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the types of research questions that might be answered by using meta-analysis in the area of information communication technology (ICT) in education and the strengths and weaknesses of such meta-analyses. The chapter is divided into four parts: (a) brief description of the meta-analysis research method, (b) synthesis of meta-analysis studies of the impact of ICT in education from 1988 to 2017, particularly focusing on 2007-2017, (c) identifying what kinds of evidence outcomes can be achieved through meta-analysis, and (d) discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of meta-analysis in ICT in education and what are the most reliable methods to obtain accurate evidence about the impact of ICT in education.