Article Critique One-to-One Computing

Article Critique Form          Denise Hopper         ED 500

Directions: Read an empirical research article from the list in Blackboard about technology and education. Critique the article by answering the questions below. Make sure you read all of the assignment directions before beginning. Answer each question in your blog post for the week indicated. Be sure to type and number the question and then type your answer below it.

Type your response below each section.

1.     Provide the complete article title and author

Bebell, D., & Kay, R. (2010). One-to-one computing: A summary of the quantitative results from the berkshire wireless learning initiative. The Journal of Technology, Learning, and Assessment, 9(2), 59.

2.     State the intended audience. (What is empirical research and how does it help the classroom?)

The empirical research article demonstrates the educational effects of the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative (BWLI), which provided one-to-one technology access to students and teachers in five public and private Massachusetts middle schools. When laptops, wireless Internet networks, and other technology such as DLP/LCD projectors were used in classrooms, and teachers were provided with support and training on integrating the technology into the curriculum, education improved.

3.     What is/are the research question/questions or hypothesis/hypotheses?

    Will the one-to-one laptop initiative transform education in a traditional middle school setting? Will BWLI enhance student achievement, improve student engagement, improve classroom management, enhance students’ capabilities to conduct independent research and collaborate with their peers, and create fundamental changes in teaching strategies and curriculum delivery?

4.     Describe the subject (participants) and the procedures (methods) used by the researcher(s)?

The researchers used a pre/post with comparison group design to determine the impact technology had on the five schools in three years. They also compared two neighboring middle schools with similar demographics. Teacher and student surveys were used as well as student drawings, classroom observations, teacher interviews, and principal Interviews.

5.     What were the conclusions of the researchers? Do you agree or disagree with the conclusions? Support your position.

Implementation and outcomes at the schools varied. Changes in teacher practices, student achievement, student engagement, and students’ research skills were evident at all schools.  The article states, “Not every teacher was willing or interested to experience a “radical shift” in their pedagogy and practices as the majority of their students seemed to be.” (Bebell & Kay, 2010) I agree that students will likely be more open to using technology in school since much of their world is already centered on technology with social networking via Facebook and Twitter for example. Teachers control the use of technology in the classroom, so they essentially determine the success or failure of technology use in education. The article indicates that teachers are required to “make massive investments in time and effort to adapt their teaching materials and practices to make the 1:1 environment effective and relevant”. (Bebell & Kay, 2010) Teachers were provided with professional development and support, but it is the everyday planning and implementation that proves overwhelming. A great deal of support is needed to assist teachers with the daily integration of technology in the curriculum. Several staff developments and weekly support should be available. An idea for staff development would be to form teams (i.e. math department, science department, etc.) who work together developing lesson units and daily lesson plans. A list of approved sites for students to visit should also be distributed. Teachers should be afforded the time to visit the sites and determine which ones fit best in their corresponding lessons.

6.   What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?
     The article mentions that teachers experienced problems when LCD projectors were not readily available. There was also a lack of printers. Further research could focus on how education is transformed by 1:1 computing when technology resources are readily available and equity issues are prevented or at least quickly resolved.

Check out this video about one-to-one computing. There are several sites mentioned that seem helpful for students.

 

Hopefully soon 1:1 computing will be possible in all schools! #ED5059413UWA
— Denise (@hopper1123) June 17, 2013