ERIC Number: EJ786444
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jan-18
Pages: 16
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0738-0569
The Impact of 1:1 Laptop Use on Middle School Math and Science Standardized Test Scores
Dunleavy, Matt; Heinecke, Walter F.
Computers in the Schools, v24 n3-4 p7-22 Jan 2008
Researchers and evaluators have been attempting to document the impact of ubiquitous or 1:1 computing on students, teachers, schools, and communities. However, the most recent reviews of research on 1:1 computing initiatives reflect a dearth of rigorous studies and emphasize the need for well-designed, scientifically based research to measure the impact of 1:1 learning on student achievement. This study investigates the effect of 1:1 laptop to student ratios on math and science achievement in at-risk middle school students. The researchers used a pretest-posttest control-group design. The findings are based on between-groups analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of longitudinal data comparing standardized achievement test scores. The researchers compared the test scores of students randomly assigned to 1:1 laptop classrooms with the test scores of students in classrooms without 1:1 laptops in the same middle school. Students were exposed to the treatment for two years and the authors used the students as the unit of analysis. Pre-existing achievement scores for each student were included as a covariate to statistically equate groups previous to analysis. Results showed significant post-intervention program effects for science achievement. Furthermore, there was a gender effect in science achievement, with boys significantly outperforming girls in the same 1:1 laptop classroom. In contrast, no significant program effects for math achievement were obtained. The results suggest that 1:1 laptop instruction can increase student achievement under certain conditions. This study has implications for policymakers, instructional designers, and educators who are currently implementing a 1:1 laptop program or considering such an implementation. The authors suggest the need for further research to help determine the efficacy of 1:1 laptop instruction and the implementation conditions necessary for increased student achievement in this context.
Descriptors: Intervention, Science Achievement, Standardized Tests, Achievement Tests, Computers, Program Effectiveness, Computer Uses in Education, Middle School Students, Mathematics Tests, Science Tests, Scores, Mathematics Achievement, Instructional Effectiveness, Teaching Methods, High Risk Students, Pretests Posttests, Gender Differences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A

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