ERIC Number: EJ1037105
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Aug
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-0145
EISSN: N/A
Laptop Use, Interactive Science Software, and Science Learning among At-Risk Students
Zheng, Binbin; Warschauer, Mark; Hwang, Jin Kyoung; Collins, Penelope
Journal of Science Education and Technology, v23 n4 p591-603 Aug 2014
This year-long, quasi-experimental study investigated the impact of the use of netbook computers and interactive science software on fifth-grade students' science learning processes, academic achievement, and interest in further science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) study within a linguistically diverse school district in California. Analysis of students' state standardized science test scores indicated that the program helped close gaps in scientific achievement between at-risk learners (i.e., English learners, Hispanics, and free/reduced-lunch recipients) and their counterparts. Teacher and student interviews and classroom observations suggested that computer-supported visual representations and interactions supported diverse learners' scientific understanding and inquiry and enabled more individualized and differentiated instruction. Finally, interviews revealed that the program had a positive impact on students' motivation in science and on their interest in pursuing science-related careers. This study suggests that technology-facilitated science instruction is beneficial for improving at-risk students' science achievement, scaffolding students' scientific understanding, and strengthening students' motivation to pursue STEM-related careers.
Descriptors: Quasiexperimental Design, Grade 5, Elementary School Science, Science Instruction, Laptop Computers, Computer Software, Computer Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Science Achievement, Science Interests, STEM Education, Standardized Tests, Scores, At Risk Students, Minority Group Students, English Language Learners, Low Income Groups, Interviews, Observation, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Visual Aids, Instructional Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A