ACOT

ACOT is an acronym that can refer to several different things depending on context. The most widely recognized use is Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow, a long-running educational technology research program initiated by Apple Computer in the mid-1980s. The project studied how the introduction of personal computers, especially Apple II systems, affected teaching practices, student learning, and school organization in K–12 settings.

ACOT involved multiple classroom trials across various school districts over several years. Researchers observed shifts in instructional roles, with teachers increasingly adopting student-centered approaches and using software and networked resources to support inquiry, collaboration, and independent work. The program underscored the importance of professional development and ongoing support for teachers, curricular alignment, and administrative backing as critical factors in successful technology integration. It also highlighted that hardware deployment alone does not guarantee improved learning outcomes, but that sustained training and thoughtful implementation are essential.

The ACOT initiative contributed to early conceptions of technology-rich classrooms and influenced subsequent discussions about one-to-one computing, digital literacy, and the evolving role of teachers as facilitators of learning in technology-enhanced environments. Publications from the ACOT program, including reports and case studies, circulated within educational technology communities and helped shape policy and classroom practice during its era.

Other uses of the ACOT acronym exist across different fields and organizations. Because acronyms can be ambiguous, identifying the intended meaning requires additional context such as domain or full form.