Literature Map

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