Tablet Computer Adoption Programs in High School

Dean McGee and Jeff VanderNoor6.24.13

Introduction

• Technology should support robust and continuous professional development (Walsh, 2012)

• Laptops, E-readers, notebooks, and tablets

• Technology in the school benefits students and teachers

• Adoption of technology depends on:o Leadershipo School settingo Technology type

• Tablet computing in the classroom used as a learning tool (Brnger, 2012)

Tablet Implementation Decision-Making Process• Common Decisions:

o Costo Timeo Target group (Valstad, 2010)

• Other Decisionso Operating systemo Security measureso Supporting infrastructure (Valstad, 2010)

Important Drivers of Decision Making

• Desire to change the pedagogy based on the teaching and learning methods

• Keeping up to date with technology for teacher and student efficacy

• Provide students with an equal opportunity to learn (Clark and Svanaes, 2012)

• Important factor in decision making: Finding like demographic schools using similar technology

Negatives of Tablet Implementation

• Security of students

• Parents felt insecure (expensive device in the hands of immature)

• Loss of device, although history does not prove to be true

• Teachers hesitant device would change teaching style

• Teachers concerned about time to adopt effectively (Clark and Svanaes, 2012)

• Expensive fiscal implications

• Bandwidth issues

• Backup issues

Successful Tablet Implementation in Schools• Marysville School

o Sponsor driveno Efficiency in time usageo Access to curriculum and library books

• Monadock Schoolo Pilot testing first o Testing technology to see what would fit in the right classroomso Phases of adoptiono Continual analysis and assessment of what is working

Successful Tablet Implementation in Schools• Roslyn High School

o iPad in two classroomso Replace the cost of buying textbookso 1100 students were successful in using iPads in their daily

school activities, research and use applications to support learning

Impact of Tablet Program Adoption

• Design frameworks for schools to ensure successful teaching practices (Bounds, 2013)

• Student centered instead of teacher centered

• Teacher-student change to communicationo Classroom collaborationo Outside class (face time)o Feedback was prompto Increased level of excitemento Easy progress monitoringo Access to materials was easier

Challenges of Tablet Implementation Programs• Cost is the most significant challenge (Thorsen, 2010)

• Technology being obsolete in such a short timeo Invested in laptops, now to iPads and other tablets

• Software costs are expensive (Loch, 2011)o Communication software between teacher and student expensive

• Devices coming home, risk of damageo Replacement costs high

• Infrastructure costso Internet connectiono Bandwidth (Lazo, 2011)o Filtering: Complicated software to monitor access and content

Challenges of Tablet Implementation Programs• Teachers adapt quickly to guide students (Struder, 2007)

o Extensive training

• Complicated technology lowers teacher efficacy

• Implementation in phaseso Some students without devices (inequality)

• Some schools no implementation plan existed (Brnger, 2012)

• Little to no research connects tablet computing to increase academic achievement

TAKEAWAYS!

• Set up technology stakeholder committee (representative)

• Research technology and similar schools using technology

• Test what technology will work for your setting

• Develop a technology implementation plan

• Pilot

• Roll out implementation plan in phases

• Evaluate phases of development for future consideration

Weaknesses and Strengths of Current Research• Weaknesses:

o Limited time in use (3 years maximum)o Few schools adopt in the classroom settingo Limited research on impact in schoolso Lack of researchers tackling topic

• Strengths:o Positive evaluation of both teachers and students pre and post

implementation of device• Interviews • Research focuses widely on challenges from new technology

in schools (Informative)

Summary of Sources

• Clarke, B., & Svanaes, S. (2012) One-to-one Tablets in Secondary Schools: An Evaluation Study. Retrieved from http://www.tabletsforschools.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2011-12-Final-Report.pdfo Feasibility of the secondary schools one-to-one tablets. o It identifies the stages of program implementation impact of the

program and the challenges.

Summary of Sources

• Harris, M. (Jan 7, 2013). Tablets next phase for high schools: McClatchy - Tribune Business News. McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. Washingtono The article reports on the implementation of tablet computer

program o This was followed by evaluation of the advantages and the

disadvantages of the program. o It highlights on the issues of concern in the decision making

process.

Summary of Sources

• Bounds, A. (24 Jan 2013). High-tech well before high school: iPad program expands in Boulder Valley elementary classrooms: McClatchy - Tribune Business News . McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. Washington.o The article discusses the adoption of ipads with the aim of

improving the learning outcome. o The article highlights the basic requirements for successful

program implementation which include, teacher training, security and wireless band width expansion.

Summary of Sources

• Donovan, L., Hartley, K., & Struder, N. (2007). Teacher concerns during initial implementation of aone-to-one laptop initiative at the middle school level. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 39(3): 263-286.o Evaluates the major concerns raised by teachers/stakeholders

in the schools on the effect of implementing new technology in the school.

o Security, major changes in teaching styles and methods, and impact of technology on the learning

Questions/Comments