Jana Jordan

FRIT 7237: Evaluation of Educational Needs and Programs

Article Critique:

When Each One Has One: The Influences on Teaching Strategies and Student

Achievement of Using Laptops in the Classroom

Reference

Lowther, D. L., Ross, S. M., & Morrison, G. M. (2003). When each one has one: The influences
on teaching strategies and student achievement of using laptops in the
classroom. Educational Technology Research & Development, 51(3), 23–44.

Article Summary

This two-year study consisted of 12 fifth through seventh grade classrooms with a 1:1

student to computer ratio. These classrooms were denoted as the laptop classrooms. In addition,

there were a total of nine control classrooms. These classrooms were facilitated by educators who

received the same training as the educators in the laptop classrooms. The only difference is the

controlled classroom had only 6 desktop computers for students, whereas the laptop classrooms

provided a laptop for each student.

Data collection was conducted through classroom visits. The observers were unaware of the

purpose of the study. They visited up to 12 randomly selected classrooms for a total of 15 minutes in

each classroom. The observers were sure to document classroom events and activities. During the

observational period, they were in search for specific strategies. As they witnessed these strategies,

they were sure to rate how often each was used. The strategies included student-centered strategies

computer use, and traditional practices. Also, randomly selected students from both groups were

given a problem-solving task and teachers were selected to give interviews. Both parents and

students were provided surveys to complete.

The results of the study proved the laptop classroom’s instruction was more student-centered

and the learning environments more active. Researchers found that the learning was more active in

year one than in year two. Educators mentioned in their interviews that the laptops provided them

with the opportunity to create varying lessons. The students also appeared to be more confident in
these classrooms and had better performances on the problem-solving tasks. With that being said, the

study leads to the belief that the laptops in the classrooms were more valuable to students.

Article Critique

This article provided a very interesting and relatable study. As a media specialist, I’ve

heard so much about the importance of computers in today’ society. This research study looked

at it its actual effectiveness, which really further proves its benefits in this 21st century global

economy. It would be a great idea to conduct a continuation of this study. I like that the article

mentioned that teachers were observed facilitating model lessons during year one. I can see how

the excitement of having a laptop for each student would cause you to generate every lesson

centered around the use of a laptop. Inevitably though, over the course of time, it seems teachers

easily fell back into their traditional methods of teaching. I wondered to myself, that if there was

a continuation of this study for another year or two, would we see a continual decline or would

the excitement pick back up. Great article!