Integrated Exploratory and the Debate Over One-to-One Laptop Use

In the spring of 2008, as part of my Master's Degree program in Instructional Technology, I engaged in a literature review on the topic of one-to-one laptop computer deployment. As we in Portola Valley begin to dig more deeply into the efficacy of such an undertaking, I offer that point-counterpoint paper titled: The Efficacy of One-to-One Laptop Initiatives in the Public School Environment. The full text, in PDF format, has been uploaded and can be read on the NEWS page of our classroom blog.

Follow this link: http://www.cms.pvsd.net/~mbarton/news.html

The concluding paragraph reads:

Through this literature review, two things have become clear. First, the true, long-lasting benefits of technology integration so far are found in improved conditions for learning, not in the acquisition of discreet academic skills. And second, as Ross, Lowther, Wilson-Relyea, Wan, and Morrison, (2003) succinctly state, “although results are promising, …further research that investigates student access to and educational use of laptops is needed” (p. 14).