You use! I use! We use! Questioning the orthodoxy of 1:1 computing in primary schools

Larkin, Kevin (2011) You use! I use! We use! Questioning the orthodoxy of 1:1 computing in primary schools. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 44 (2). pp. 101-120. ISSN 1539-1523

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Abstract

The current orthodoxy regarding computer use in schools appears to be that 1:1 computing, i.e. each child owns or has sole access to a computing device, is the most efficacious way to achieve a range of desirable educational outcomes including individualised learning, collaborative environments or constructivist pedagogies. This article challenges this notion suggesting instead that 1:2 computing is an appropriate means of achieving such aims in Primary School. It further suggests that 1:2 computing is preferable to 1:1 computing to achieve a balance between productivity, student engagement, social activity and individualised learning.
This article draws on data collected during the 2009 school year from four, Year 7 Classrooms (11-13 year old students) who had varied patterns of access to netbook computers. Detailed information was collected from two pieces of software installed in each computer. Data were analysed through an Activity Theory conceptual and methodological lens. Recommendations from this research will assist school leaders make informed decisions regarding 1:1 and 1:2 computing.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Education
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2012 02:22
Last Modified:	25 Aug 2014 04:12
Uncontrolled Keywords:	computing; primary education; qualitative research; activity theory; 1:1 computing; decision making
Fields of Research :	13 Education > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130306 Educational Technology and Computing 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1702 Cognitive Sciences > 170202 Decision Making 13 Education > 1301 Education Systems > 130105 Primary Education (excl. Maori)
Socio-Economic Objective:	E Expanding Knowledge > 97 Expanding Knowledge > 970113 Expanding Knowledge in Education
Identification Number or DOI:	10.1080/15391523.2011.10782581
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/19450

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