Informing one-to-one computing in primary schools: Student use of netbooks

Abstract

Although one-to-one laptop programs are being introduced in many schools, minimal research has been conducted regarding their effectiveness in primary schools. Evidence-based research is needed to inform significant funding, deployment and student use of computers. This article analyses key findings from a study conducted in four Year 7 classrooms in which students were provided with netbook computers as an alternative to more expensive laptop computers. Variable access was provided to students including computer to student ratios of one-to-one and one-to-two. Findings indicated that increased access to the netbook computers resulted in increases in computer usage by these students, compared with their minimal use of computers before the study. However, despite the increased access, actual computer usage remained limited. The article reports that factors contributing to the minimal use of computers included individual teacher agency, a crowded curriculum, and the historical use of computers. Implications for policy and practice are suggested.

Seeing eye-to-eye on ICT: Science student and teacher perceptions of laptop use across 14 Australian schools

“…Increasing student access through 1:1 laptop ratios does not necessarily increase student usage (Larkin & Finger, 2011).…”

Teachers' Openness to Change and Attitudes towards ICT: Comparison of Laptop per Teacher and Laptop per Student Programs

“…However, research into specific technological innovations seems to suggest that many teachers experience difficulty in the implementation of educational technologies in general (Franklin, 2007) and the implementation of one-to-one computing programs in particular (Larkin & Finger, 2011). The adoption is uneven for some teachers and in some subject-matters.…”

“…In the context of one-to-one classrooms, previous research suggest (Larkin & Finger, 2011;Penuel, 2006) that computer usage in one-to-one environments is strongly correlated with how closely that usage can be aligned with teacher attitudes and beliefs. While some teachers express high enthusiasm towards teaching in one-to-one classrooms, others are concerned about non educational usage of technology during the lessons (Silvernail et al, 2011).…”

You use! I use! We use! Questioning the Orthodoxy of One-to-One Computing in Primary Schools

“…In these situations, student use per device was increased as the whole class were working on 16 computers. Once the students were required to produce individual work (based on their shared research), per-student usage in the 1:2 classrooms mirrored that in the 1:1 classrooms (Larkin & Finger, 2011).…”