Title of Study: Educational Outcomes and Research from 1:1 Computing Settings

Author(s): Damian Bebel, Laura O’Dwyer

Summary:
This report summarizes evidence from four studies about 1:1 laptop programs published in the same edition of the online journal.

Sponsoring entity(s): Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative at Boston College

Date conducted: 2010

Location of the study: This study can be accessed through the Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment website.

Setting(s) addressed:

• Classroom

Targeted population(s):

• K-12

Primary sources of evidence used in the study or report:

• Summary of published research

Primary Technology Application(s) Addressed:

• Laptop computers

Major education topic(s) addressed:

• Cross curricular technology integration

Major findings/conclusions:

• Three of the four studies reviewed found 1:1 laptop programs had positive effects on student achievement, particularly in language arts.
• Two of the four studies reviewed found increased student engagement in the laptop program.
• The authors conclude that the success of 1:1 laptop programs depends mainly on teachers’ implementation of the program and the support of the school administration.

Practical implications of the findings:

• The responsibility for implementing 1:1 laptop programs falls to the individual teachers, and the success or failure of the program is more dependent on the teacher than on the technology. Professional development and teacher collaboration time are essential elements of a successful program.

Reviewer Comments:
This report summarizes the findings of four studies on this topic, without further statistical analysis. The four studies summarized are:

• Damian Bebell and Rachel Kay. (2010). One to One Computing: A Summary of the Quantitative Results from the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative. Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(2).
• Brian Drayton, Joni Falk, Rena Stroud, Kathryn Hobbs and James Hammerman. (2010). After Installation: Ubiquitous Computing and High School Science in Three Experienced, High-technology Schools. Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(3).
• Kelly Shapley, Daniel Sheehan, Catherine Maloney and Fanny Caranikas-Walker. (2010). Evaluating the Implementaiton Fidelity of Technology Immersion and its Relationship with Student Achievement. Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(4).
• Mark Weston and Alan Bain. (2010), The End of Techno-Critique: The Naket Truth about 1:1 Laptop initiatives and Educational Change. Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(6).