Implementing a One-to-one Computing Program at North

Stafford

By: Sharon Adamavage

Abstract

• Many studies have been conducted examining the effectiveness and perceptions of laptops, netbooks, and tablet PCs in the classroom and how successful they have been in the classroom. Recently, also the Apple IPod touch and the Apple IPad have been the focus of some investigations.

• Many pilot programs are now collecting data related to student use, attitude, and perceptions of the IPad, but little has been shown regarding the best practices for implementation into different learning environments.

• These devices have been compared and contrasted based on various measures and results have been for the most part favorable to integration in the classroom.

Abstract

• Programs using one-to-one laptop computing have also been of interest in the recent years. Even though portable computing has also been found to increase students’ motivation and their ability to apply course knowledge and academic achievement in some studies, there has been debate over whether laptops can have a negative effect on student learning by providing a distraction.

• With studies showing benefits and disadvantages of laptops and tablet PCs, it leads the question of what students expect an instructor to incorporate in a standard classroom.

Abstract

• It seems as though schools are viewing the iPad, even with its interactive features that sets it apart from its competitors, as a complementary piece of technology rather than a replacement for netbooks or laptops.

Rationale

 • The purpose of this research study is to

research the possible implementation of a one-to-one laptop program with either laptops or the Apple IPad.

• In particular, North Stafford High School will be examined and students, teachers, administrators, and parents will all be surveyed to their readiness for such a one-to-one computing program.

In regards to readiness, I will assess on:

• Acceptance-whether they would favor one-on-one computing and if so whether they would prefer laptops or IPads,

• Accountability-opinions on who will be responsible for financing and maintaining the device as well investigating possible grants for the county, “lease to own” programs, and student technical support programs to maintain the devices,

and

• Attitudes and Expectations-what do those surveyed feel is most important in successfully implementing one-to-one computing and what expectations would they have pedagogically with regard to how the curriculum in class was taught with response to such program.

Motivation for conducting this research exists in one main area:

To find out what is important to the North Stafford High School technologically, and then find ways to help met the needs as found.

Research Question:

• What are the technological needs and perceptions, in particular that of one-to-one computing using laptops or the Apple IPad, of the North Stafford High School community including students, parents, teachers, administrators, and policy makers with regard to acceptance, accountability, and attitudes and expectations as previously described?

• How can I find ways to help meet the technological needs as defined through surveying the community?

Methodology

• My research question aims to identify the technological needs and perceptions, in particular that of one-to-one computing using laptops or the Apple IPad, of the North Stafford High School community. To gather this information, I will use a survey administered to many in the community including students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

• Participation in the survey will be voluntary and anonymous. To ensure that those surveyed have this anonymity, I will carry out the survey using an online survey creator, www.surverymonkey.com. The link for the survey can then be given to all those involved and taken at their convenience.

Methodology

• To invite teachers and administrators to take the survey, I will send an email with the link with an explanation of the study and a consent agreement. Any person taking the survey will be aware that by clicking on the survey they agree to the terms outlined in the Consent form.

• To inform parents of my survey, I plan on sending a letter home with students in my classes and other classes across the school with the link and explanation of the project.

• This letter will have the link and explain what the purpose of the project is and what I hope to gain from the results. Parents can opt to participate by going to the link and filling out the survey.

Methodology• Another instrument to collect data could be a paper and pencil

test (possibly on scantron). I may use this for students surveyed since it would be quick and convenient to do in the school setting.

• Students would not put their names on the survey in order to maintain anonymity. Before the survey could be given to students, I would speak to my class and a few other classes about the project. Then, a letter would be sent home as mentioned above along with a parental consent form to acquire parental permission for a student to participate.

• The parental consent form would explain the purpose of the survey and ask for permission for their son/daughter to participate.

Hopes

• Findings from these questions will hopefully inform how I or others in Stafford County could better serve the needs of the community technologically, and in turn, if such a program would be welcome, these findings could open up discussion of how to go about implementation including possible grant programs or lease-to-own programs.

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One-to-one Computing Survey

One-to-one Computing Survey

One-to-one Computing Survey

Open-ended Response questions:

•  What would you expect from a one-to-one computing program in regard to daily instruction in the classroom? What you hope would result from such a program.  

• Are there any other comments or concerns you have that you would like to include.