Tuesday 23 June 2009

One to one laptop programmes - what does research say?

Looking at what research can tell us about 1to1 laptop programmes.
An extensive study was done in June 2005, sponsored by Apple, called
Research: What It Says About 1 to 1 Learning.
Their main findings were:
• Effecting change in teaching practice depends on professional development and changing some teachers’ beliefs about the role of technology and students’ capabilities.
• Available research-based evidence is
generally positive, especially with respect to laptop programs’ effects on technology use, technology proficiency, and writing skills.
• Overall, however, there is limited research-based evidence from rigorously designed experimental or quasi-experimental studies of laptop programs’ effectiveness.
• More quasi-experimental and experimental research is needed that examines both outcomes and implementation if further major investments in 1 to 1 initiatives are to be warranted by the research base.
So,
generally positive, but more research needs to be done.

Saul Rockman (Rockman et al from "Getting Results with Laptops" dated October 2004) produced this list of key points from studies in Indiana and other places:

Learning environments are transformed. Collaborative project work promoted.

Assessment techniques change. More authentic assessment techniques.

Teachers look to a variety of sources for training. Professional development now tailored to teachers' individual content area and pedagogical needs.

Mastery is no longer solely the province of technology gurus.

Students are highly engaged. "Like teachers, students also show improved technology skills and sophistication. But this, too, varies, with some students taking to certain specialized applications such as movie making, and others using the tools as a functional, almost transparent element in their schoolwork. In Indianapolis and Crawfordsville, teachers report, anecdotally, that students have greater engagement in their assigned work, fewer behavioral referrals, and higher attendance—positive trends that other research has substantiated. In their study of the Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford, Maine, for instance, the Mitchell Institute found daily student attendance improved from 91 percent to over 98 percent since the laptop program began last year. And significantly, 48 percent of parents reported their children are more motivated now that they work with laptops."

Productivity increases. Students develop better organizational skills.

Attitudes toward writing improve.

Where is the RECENT research?

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