Inan and Lowther (2010) stated that there is a growing trend
to increase the amount of laptops in classrooms nationally and internationally
in order to support student learning and achievement. The goal is to provide each
student and teacher with laptop computer. The authors found three benefits of
each student having access to a laptop while in the classroom setting. First,
evidence supported an increase in students’ achievement scores. Second, research
reported that teachers and students increase their technological skills. Last,
the students are highly engaged in lessons that integrate technology because
the lessons are more interesting.
Although many school systems have invested funds to increase
the amount of laptops in their system, there are factors that affect teachers
actually integrating the use of laptops as learning tools. These factors
include insufficient professional development, lack of resources, and teacher
beliefs on how technology influences student learning. Recommendations to incorporate
technology in classroom environments are for school systems to provide
continuous professional development opportunities in which teachers can increase
their knowledge and skills, gain confidence, prepare lessons, and review students’
products. Effectively incorporating
technology in the classroom will prepare students a competitive job market in
the future, improve students’ achievement, and improve instruction.
Reference
Inan, F., & Lowther, D. (2010). Laptops in the K-12
classrooms: Exploring factors impacting instructional use. Computers & Education, 55, 937-944.
Literature Map (Rough Draft)
Many teachers at a
Title I elementary school in
urban Alabama are not
effectively integrating
technology into their
classroom.
÷ ø
Teachers attitude towards Continuous professiona
incorporating technology development opportunities
ò ò
Technical support Administrative support
