Informing one-to-one computing in primary schools: student use of netbooks

Larkin, Kevin and Finger, Glenn (2011) Informing one-to-one computing in primary schools: student use of netbooks. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 27 (3). pp. 514-530. ISSN 1449-3098

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Abstract

Although one-to-one laptop programs are being introduced in many schools, minimal research has been conducted regarding their effectiveness in primary schools. Evidence-based research is needed to inform significant funding, deployment and student use of computers. This article analyses key findings from a study conducted in four Year 7 classrooms in which students were provided with netbook computers as an alternative to more expensive laptop computers. Variable access was provided to students including computer to student ratios of one-to-one and one-to-two. Findings indicated that increased access to the netbook computers resulted in increases in computer usage by these students, compared with their minimal use of computers before the study. However, despite the increased access, actual computer usage remained limited. The article reports that factors contributing to the minimal use of
computers included individual teacher agency, a crowded curriculum, and the historical use of computers. Implications for policy and practice are suggested.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Published version deposited in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Copyright in individual articles resides with the authors of each article. No part of this journal may be reproduced without permission (other than single copies for study purposes), and files from this site may not be remounted on other web servers (except for an author's own articles and own institutional repository) without permission.
Depositing User:	Mr Kevin Larkin
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Education
Date Deposited:	17 Jul 2011 07:29
Last Modified:	25 Aug 2014 03:22
Uncontrolled Keywords:	computer usage; primary education; educational technology
Fields of Research :	13 Education > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130299 Curriculum and Pedagogy not elsewhere classified 13 Education > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130306 Educational Technology and Computing 13 Education > 1301 Education Systems > 130105 Primary Education (excl. Maori)
Socio-Economic Objective:	E Expanding Knowledge > 97 Expanding Knowledge > 970113 Expanding Knowledge in Education
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/19355

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