Bree Smyth

10/7/03

SLM 520 MC

Article Critique # 2

This article discusses the use of laptops in K-12 classrooms. Laptop computers in classrooms first started in colleges and universities, then spread to K-12 schools. A number of private schools began to use them in the 1990s, and now companies such as Microsoft and Toshiba have started similar programs. Many companies are promoting the use of laptops and are providing hardware and software packages. Laptops can be used in the classrooms in several different ways. Every student can have one to use both and home and at school, a school can purchase a “class set” that is shared by several teachers, or several students can have them in a classroom without everyone else having one. Each model has positives and negatives, but overall the primary advantage seems to be that laptops create opportunities for all students to have computer access both in the classroom and at home. There are also portable alternatives, such as the AlphaSmart or DreamWriter, which cost significantly less then full laptops. These are often used in place of laptops to save money, although most portables do not have many features the laptop has. Several studies have been completed with many good results. The studies show that students have increased motivation, more student-centered classroom environments, and better school attendance. There is also an increase in cooperative learning and project-based instruction. Overall, it seems that there is a more positive relationship between laptops and student attitudes than between laptops and academic achievement. Although laptops have great educational possibilities, the cost is still a huge issue.

This article was really interesting, raising many questions in my head. I think laptops would be a great addition to any classroom, but I do have concerns. Who would pay for them and be responsible for them? Who would train both the staff and the students to use them? What happens when they break? I think the laptops would be great for high school, giving students more responsibility for their own work. I do think that for elementary school, it may be more of a hassle then help. I could be wrong; I’d be interested in a longitudinal study showing the effects of a laptop on a student’s education.

Belanger, Yvonne (2000). Laptop Computers in the K-12 Classroom (Eric

Digest #E440644. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED440644)