Laptop orthodoxy: is portable computing the answer for education?

Abstract

The educational benefits of computing have been demonstrated but are not widely enjoyed. Laptop computers are promoted as the way to transfer the benefits to larger numbers of students. However, there has been little serious debate about the advantages and disadvantages of laptops relative to alternatives. Few of the benefits claimed for laptop programs are specific to the use of laptops and the expense puts them beyond the reach of many schools or reduces the capacity to provide other resources. More affordable alternatives may be capable of delivering the same benefits to a broader population. At the very least educators need to seriously examine the alternatives.