Establishing the Link to Learning with Laptop: Research Proposal

1. Establishing the Link to Learning with Laptop: Research Proposal By: Jaqueline Lundie & Darren West EDIT 6900 Spring 2011

2. INTRODUCTION • Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the success of using laptops as an instructional tool. • Studies have suggested the following: • There is a link between using laptops as a teaching tool across instructional approaches • Increased enthusiasm for learning • Increased academic gains • Concerns: • Costs • Lack of statistical data in the form of test scores as supportive evidence.

3. PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY • The purpose of this study will be to learn more about student engagement as it relates to technology within their learning environment. It will address the following questions: • To what extent does the increased implementation of technology, specifically laptops, affect students’ level of academic achievement and success? • How does the laptop usage affect the students’ level of engagement?

4. PROCEDURE • Two sections of 7th grade Language Arts classes will be selected to participant in this study. • Section one(7A) will use the laptops to view lessons, take quizzes and tests, and complete assignments • Section two (7B) will receive traditional instruction, (lecture, use textbooks, and paper/pencil tests and quizzes.

5. RESEARCH DESIGN • Uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods. • Participants • One teacher and ten students from 7A and ten students from 7B Language Arts classes , which is a total of 21 participants.

6. DATA COLLECTION • The following will be used to collect data: • Baseline survey • 5-point Likert Scale • The above tools will be used to ask about their present perception of their learning and engagement within the school learning environment. • Participants will converse about the two learning designs: traditional approach and laptop/technology approach.

7. QUESTIONS FROM SURVEY • How much do you use a laptop at school during a typical week? • Do not use a laptop • 1-4 hours per week • 5-10 hours a week • More than 10 hours per week • In which subjects do you use your laptop for class work or projects? (Check all that apply.) • None • Foreign Language • Math • Language Arts/English • Other________________ • Did you have a computer at home before you got your laptop at school? _Yes _No • Do you have access to the Internet at home? _Yes _No • How do you rate your computer skills overall? (Check one.) • Beginner (I am just learning) • Intermediate (I am comfortable using a computer) • Advanced (I can help teach others)

8. RECAP • Studies are showing that computer mediated learning is more interactive, engaging, and effective for middle and secondary school learner than traditional approach. • Emerging technologies have a great impact on how today’s classes are conducted. • Instruction needs to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed as productive members of society. • Exploring and studying the impact of laptops in education has the potential to further the achievement and knowledge-base of today’s learners. • The purpose of this study is to assess the impact and overall effectiveness of computer mediated learning in classrooms.

9. REFERENCES • Carter, Kim (May 2001). “Laptop Lessons: Exploring the Promise of One-to-One Computing.” Technology & Learning ww.techlearning.com/db_area/archives?TL/200105/laptops.html • Fouts, Jeffrey (February 2000). Reasearch on Computer and Education: Past, Present, and Future. Prepared for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. www.gatesfoundation.org/nr/ downloads/ed/researchevaluation/ComputerResearchSummary.pdf • Gulek, J. C. & Demirtas, H. (2005). “Learning with technology: The impact of laptop use on Student achievement.” Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 3(2). www.jtla.org • Lane, Dawn M. (April 2003). The Maine Learning Technology Initiative: Impact on Students and Learning University of Southern Maine, Center for Education Policy, Applied Research, and Evaluation. • Lowther, D. I., Ross, S. M., & Morrison, G. M. (2003). “The influence on Teaching Strategie and Student Achievement of Using Laptops in the Classroom.” Educational Technology Research and Development, 51, 3, 23-44. • Maine Education Policy Research Institute (March 2003). The Maine Learning Technology Initiative: Teacher, Student, and School Perspectives, Mid-Year Evaluation Report. University of Southern Maine, Center for Education Policy, Applied Research, and Evaluation.

10. Ray, Doris (August 2003). MSAD #4 PCHS Laptop Initiative Study Report. Prepared for Superintendent of Schools, MSAD 4, • Rockman et al (September 2000). A More Complex Picture: Laptop Use and Impact in the Context of Changing Home and School Access. San Francisco, CA. www. Microsoft.com/education/downloads/aal/research3report.doc • Russell, M., Bebell, D., & Higgins, J. (2004). “Laptop Learning: A comparison of teaching and learning in upper elementary classrooms equipped with shared carts of laptops and permanent 1:1 laptops.” Journal of Educational Computing Research, 30 (4), 313-330. • Sargent, Katherine I. (April 2003). The Maine Learning Technology Initiative: What is the Impact on Teacher Beliefs and Instructional Practices? University of Southern Maine, Center for Education Policy, Applied Research, and Evaluation. • Silvernail, David L. and Dawn M. Lane (February 2004). The Impact of Maine’s One-to-One Laptop Program on Middle School Teachers and Students: Phase One Summary Evidence. Maine Education Policy Research Institute, University of Southern Maine. • Stevenson, Kenneth R. (November 1998). Evaluation Report – Year 2: Schoolbook Laptop Project, Beaufort County School District, South Carolina. University of South Carolina, Department of Educational Leadership and Policies.