1:1 Laptop Initiative Pros and Cons

Main purposes of 1:1 environment Online research and productivity tools – more learner-, assessment-, community-, and knowledge-centered Drill and Practice – Self-paced, individualized instruction – Majority of observations recorded high-level, individualized exercises Multimedia online environments – Classroom websites – Disseminate information, facilitate communication and enhance instruction

Student Outcomes: Writing Writing scores – Performance standards increased by 22% for the students who had laptops in one year (Jeroski, 2003) – Average scores of students who used laptop for all phases of writing process was better than 75% of students who did not (Silvernail & Gritter, 2007) – Students who used laptops for the writing process became better writers in general, including when using paper and pencil

Student Outcomes: Mathematics Not as widespread and significant results as with writing, possibly because laptops were used least frequently in math In South Carolina, 7 th grade students in 1:1 program significantly outscored non- participants (after 2 years) (Stevenson, 1998)

Teacher Outcomes of 1:1 environment Greater confidence in ability to integrate laptop use into lesson and align with curriculum Over 70% of teachers reported that they were able to better meet curricular goals and individualize instruction (Rockman, 2000) More likely to encourage student-lead inquiry and collaborative work (Rockman, 2000) Teacher able to transition to coach/facilitator role

Concerns Simply providing a student with a laptop did not increase achievement Misuse of laptops (inappropriate downloading, cheating on tests, hacking into school and local business networks) Can be viewed as a distraction by teachers Funding for equipment as well as repairs

Other considerations Teachers will need ample professional development; – Job-embedded, student-centered, collegial, ongoing, and metacognitive (Lemke and Martin, 2004a)

References Dunleavy, M., Dextert, S., & Heinecke, W.F. (2007). What added value does a 1:1 student to laptop ratio bring to technology-supported teaching and learning? Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 23, doi: /j x Holcomb, L. (2009). Results & lessons learned from 1:1 laptop initiatives: A collective review. TechTrends, 53 (6), Retrieved from ERIC.