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Abstract
I drafted a case study following a visit to a school in Nashville where every pupil had a laptop computer. When we get to this point in the UK we will think very differently about ICT, I would predict.
Author: Mike Bostock
Publication Date: 2003
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[divide margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″ color=”#a0a0a0″] [s2If is_user_logged_in()]The view of teachers, and written testimonials from pupils, suggested that this approach was having an impact on:
– the effectiveness of learning for all groups of learners
– the development of higher order thinking skills
– the ability to multi task
– pupils confidence in giving presentations
– the proportion of active learning that took place during the school day
The following is a list of some of the features of their approach:
Technical issues
– There was a technical support team of a network manager and four technicians
– When laptops developed problems the technical support team would switch the student’s hard disc into a loan machine while their laptop was repaired
– The carry case was of a design where it covered and protected the computer even when in use.
Practical issues
– Desks had charge points built into them
– There was no restriction on when pupils could use laptops
– An acceptable use policy was in place
– The laptops were wireless so that pupils could locate their files anywhere on the campus, and gain Internet access
Teacher development
– Teachers were given laptops one year ahead of pupils
– Staff development was provided with a focus on teaching and learning (‘sage on stage’ to ‘guide on side’ issues).
Keyboard skills
– Local elementary schools taught keyboard skills to pupils so that they were more fluent by the time they reached high school
– The use of school-run private chat rooms, between groups of pupils, and classes and their teachers, developed keyboard skills further
– Not all pupils were fluent enough to use ICT for note-taking during lessons
Curriculum issues
– When pupils have continuous access to ICT there is less need to teach ICT skills – at least not over an 11 year period as we do in the UK
– The main goal of ICT was seen as empowering pupils to learn across their subjects
– Relatively few pupils were interested in studying ICT as a subject.
Longer term
– The school was building a new library (partly electronic) and multi-media laboratory
– The school was developing ‘distance learning classrooms’ with video conferencing, to expand learning opportunities and share teacher expertise.
Publications
The Impact of ICT on Schooling – NAACE
Learning in the 21st Century – Insight/NAACE
Implementing ICT revision – NAACE
[divide margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″ color=”#a0a0a0″]References & Contacts
None available
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