A Systematic Review of One-to-One Access to Laptop Computing in K-12 Classrooms: An Investigation of Factors that Influence Program Impact

In 2005, Nicholas Negroponte stepped onto the stage at TED and challenged the audience: “What would happen if we gave every student a laptop computer?” Ten years later, and twenty-five years after the first laptop program, this dissertation attempts to answer that question using two systematic review procedures, case survey analysis and mixed effects meta-analysis. Literature searches and review resulted in 162 primary studies being included in the case survey of which 88 studies yielding 231 effect sizes and representing approximately 116,150 participants, were selected for the meta-analysis. The case survey analysis revealed that typically, programs were co-educational, involving public middle schools, and conducted at the board or district levels. Program theories, whether stated or inferred clustered around three main themes: technology-enhanced environments, technology-enhanced instruction, and computers as mind tools or learning tools. Program goals were numerous and varied, but centered on technology use and proficiency, achievement, questions of technology equity, and improved instruction. The meta-analysis revealed that one-to-one computing had an impact on five of the six outcomes tested: technology use (mean effect size 0.53), technology proficiency (0.29), student achievement (0.23), student engagement (0.15), and student satisfaction (0.26). Attendance was not significant (0.00). The general effects were moderated in expected and unexpected ways – technology use was moderated by program theory and year, technology proficiency was moderated by technology use and duration, and achievement was moderated by program size, participant age, program year, technology integration, duration, and teacher-centered instruction. Explanations were proposed for these findings, and new directions for future research outlined

Introducing laptops to children: An examination of ubiquitous computing in Grade 3 reading, language, and mathematics

This study examines the achievement outcomes accompanying the implementation of a Grade 3 laptop or so-called ubiquitous computing program in a Quebec school district. CAT-3 reading, language, and mathematics batteries were administered at the end of Grade 2 and again at the end of Grade 3, after the first year of computer implementation. Overall gain was found in all three content areas, but was differential when compared with the norms of the CAT-3. Additionally, some evidence suggested a differential gain for lower and middle-level learners during the school year. Teachers were administered an instrument called the Technology Implementation Questionnaire (TIQ) that assessed the purposes and extent of technology integration. Negative correlations were found in reading achievement gain for items associated with the higher use of communicative, evaluative, and creative uses of computers. Open-ended teacher responses indicated the need for more professional support for instructional implementations of computing. Résumé: Cette étude examine les performances accompagnant l’implantation d’un programme d’ordinateurs portables en 3 ième année du primaire, aussi appelé programme d’ubiquité computationnelle, dans une école d’un district scolaire du Québec. Des batteries de tests, CAT-3 en lecture, en langue et en mathématiques ont été administrées à la fin de la deuxième année du primaire et une autre fois à la fin de la troisième année du primaire, après un an d’implantation des ordinateurs. Un gain fut observé dans les trois matières, mais était différencié lorsque comparé aux normes du CAT-3. De plus, un gain différencié fut mis en évidence pour les apprenants de niveau inférieur et moyen durant l’année scolaire. Les enseignants ont rempli le Technology Implementation Questionnaire (TIQ) qui mesure le but et l’étendue de l’intégration technologique. Des corrélations négatives ont été trouvées en gains au niveau de la lecture pour les items associés à l’utilisation de haut niveau des ordinateurs, en communication, en évaluation et en création

The Centre for Continuing Education and Extension Services: A Legacy of Excellence and Access to Life-long Learning

A review of the history and evolution of the Centre for Continuing Education and Extension Services and the various programmes it has developed to support the work of the College of The Bahamas