ACOT was a research and development collaboration among public schools, universities, research agencies and Apple Computer, Inc. Initiated in 1985, ACOT began its work in seven classrooms that represented a cross section of America’s elementary and secondary schools. Its goal was to study how the routine use of technology by teachers and students might change teaching and learning.

Done, but not Forgotten

The ACOT research project concluded in 1998 with outstanding results.

A Research-Based Staff Development Approach

Based on the ACOT results, Apple offers several educational products in Apple Professional Development. The ACOT work resulted in several models for teaching and learning practices, staff development and for understanding the process of diffusion of innovation. Among other contributions, the ACOT research pointed to a set of design principles used in the Apple Professional Development Workshops.