One to one laptop programmes improve test scores, says study
Posted on: 02/May/2016 6:06:30 PM
A new study has found that there is a significant improvement in academic achievement in schools that provide their students with a laptop computer with appropriate support. The study was conducted by researchers from the Michigan State University. The findings were published in the journal Review of Educational Research.
The data for the research came from years of studies on one to one laptop programmes. The study found that these programmes take a comprehensive approach. The results also showed that the programmes were linked to higher tests cores in subjects such as English, Math, Science and Writing.
Speaking about this, the researchers said, In the past couple decades, one-to-one laptop programmes have spread widely, but so has debate about whether they are cost-effective and beneficial to educational outcomes. I believe this technology, if implemented correctly, is worth the cost and effort because it lifts student achievement, enhances engagement and enthusiasm among students, improves teacher-student relationships and promotes 21st century skills such as technological proficiency and problem solving. One-to-one laptop programmes, in which each student in a class, grade level, school or district gets a computer, can improve educational outcomes when there is teacher buy-in, suitable technical support and professional development for teachers, and appropriate implementation with the curriculum.
In addition to improved scores on standardised tests, the benefits of successful laptop programmes include an improved writing process. Students received more feedback on their writing, edited and revised their papers more often, drew on a wider range of resources to write and published or shared their work with others more often. Knowing the general impact of these programmes can help school districts better shape their technology policies.
