Tablet Computer Adoption Programs in High School Dean McGee and Jeff VanderNoor

Introduction Technology should support robust and continuous professional development (Walsh, 2012) Laptops, E-readers, notebooks, and tablets Technology in the school benefits students and teachers Adoption of technology depends on: o Leadership o School setting o Technology type Tablet computing in the classroom used as a learning tool (Brnger, 2012)

Tablet Implementation Decision-Making Process Common Decisions: o Cost o Time o Target group (Valstad, 2010) Other Decisions o Operating system o Security measures o Supporting infrastructure (Valstad, 2010)

Important Drivers of Decision Making Desire to change the pedagogy based on the teaching and learning methods Keeping up to date with technology for teacher and student efficacy Provide students with an equal opportunity to learn (Clark and Svanaes, 2012) Important factor in decision making: Finding like demographic schools using similar technology

Negatives of Tablet Implementation Security of students Parents felt insecure (expensive device in the hands of immature) Loss of device, although history does not prove to be true Teachers hesitant device would change teaching style Teachers concerned about time to adopt effectively (Clark and Svanaes, 2012) Expensive fiscal implications Bandwidth issues Backup issues

Successful Tablet Implementation in Schools Marysville School o Sponsor driven o Efficiency in time usage o Access to curriculum and library books Monadock School o Pilot testing first o Testing technology to see what would fit in the right classrooms o Phases of adoption o Continual analysis and assessment of what is working

Successful Tablet Implementation in Schools Roslyn High School o iPad in two classrooms o Replace the cost of buying textbooks o 1100 students were successful in using iPads in their daily school activities, research and use applications to support learning

Impact of Tablet Program Adoption Design frameworks for schools to ensure successful teaching practices (Bounds, 2013) Student centered instead of teacher centered Teacher-student change to communication o Classroom collaboration o Outside class (face time) o Feedback was prompt o Increased level of excitement o Easy progress monitoring o Access to materials was easier

Challenges of Tablet Implementation Programs Cost is the most significant challenge (Thorsen, 2010) Technology being obsolete in such a short time o Invested in laptops, now to iPads and other tablets Software costs are expensive (Loch, 2011) o Communication software between teacher and student expensive Devices coming home, risk of damage o Replacement costs high Infrastructure costs o Internet connection o Bandwidth (Lazo, 2011) o Filtering: Complicated software to monitor access and content

Challenges of Tablet Implementation Programs Teachers adapt quickly to guide students (Struder, 2007) o Extensive training Complicated technology lowers teacher efficacy Implementation in phases o Some students without devices (inequality) Some schools no implementation plan existed (Brnger, 2012) Little to no research connects tablet computing to increase academic achievement

TAKEAWAYS! Set up technology stakeholder committee (representative) Research technology and similar schools using technology Test what technology will work for your setting Develop a technology implementation plan Pilot Roll out implementation plan in phases Evaluate phases of development for future consideration

Weaknesses and Strengths of Current Research Weaknesses: o Limited time in use (3 years maximum) o Few schools adopt in the classroom setting o Limited research on impact in schools o Lack of researchers tackling topic Strengths: o Positive evaluation of both teachers and students pre and post implementation of device Interviews Research focuses widely on challenges from new technology in schools (Informative)

Summary of Sources Clarke, B., & Svanaes, S. (2012) One-to-one Tablets in Secondary Schools: An Evaluation Study. Retrieved from content/uploads/2012/12/ Final-Report.pdf o Feasibility of the secondary schools one-to-one tablets. o It identifies the stages of program implementation impact of the program and the challenges.

Summary of Sources Harris, M. (Jan 7, 2013). Tablets next phase for high schools: McClatchy - Tribune Business News. McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. Washington o The article reports on the implementation of tablet computer program o This was followed by evaluation of the advantages and the disadvantages of the program. o It highlights on the issues of concern in the decision making process.

Summary of Sources Bounds, A. (24 Jan 2013). High-tech well before high school: iPad program expands in Boulder Valley elementary classrooms: McClatchy - Tribune Business News. McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. Washington. o The article discusses the adoption of ipads with the aim of improving the learning outcome. o The article highlights the basic requirements for successful program implementation which include, teacher training, security and wireless band width expansion.

Summary of Sources Donovan, L., Hartley, K., & Struder, N. (2007). Teacher concerns during initial implementation of aone-to-one laptop initiative at the middle school level. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 39(3): o Evaluates the major concerns raised by teachers/stakeholders in the schools on the effect of implementing new technology in the school. o Security, major changes in teaching styles and methods, and impact of technology on the learning

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