A new study, analyzing results of fifteen years’ worth of research studies, found that efforts by K-12 schools to implement 1-to-1 laptop deployments has , on average, had a statistically significant positive impact on student test scores in English/language arts, writing, math, and science.
The study also found some modest evidence of other positive benefits associated with giving laptops to students, including:
- Increased frequency and breadth of student technology use – typically for writing, research, note-taking, assignments, and reading
- In many cases 1-to-1 laptops lead to more student-centered, individualized, and project-based instruction
- Students expressed very positive attitudes about using laptops in the classroom, as findings consistently showed higher student engagement, motivation, and persistence
- Better relationships between teachers and students
While the results certainly reflect positively on the use of technology in the classroom, it’s important to remember that simply having a laptop for every student won’t automatically increase student achievement. According to Leslie Wilson, CEO of the One-to-One institute, for such a 1-to-1 program to be effective schools must focus on crafting comprehensive plans that cover everything from infrastructure to curriculum to pedagogy to professional development. The real benefits of giving students access to a computer comes when schools move from “instructive” to “constructive” learning – which is where resellers can come in to help steer them towards tools and technology to support empowered students.
Source: Education Week
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