ERIC Number: ED562381
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Mar
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Tablet Computers on Trial: A Transformative Force in Education?
Kjartansdóttir, Skúlína Hlíf; Jakobsdóttir, Sólveig
International Association for Development of the Information Society, Paper presented at the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) International Conference on Mobile Learning (Lisbon, Portugal, Mar 14-16, 2013)
In this paper we present the results of an evaluation study of a development project for the introduction and use of tablet computers (iPads) at the lower secondary level in Nordlinga school, a compulsory school in Reykjavík. In the study, we assess the impact of the use of tablet computers on instruction and students' learning in grades 9 to 10, and on school development in Nordlinga school. First results show that that the project came to a good start, despite some differences that the school had with city administrators and technical problems in the beginning. Most students brought their tablet home and used it for formal, as well as informal and non-formal learning. The introduction of tablet computers enabled access to a variety of software for learning, tools and games. It stimulated communication and collaboration. Products of learning increasingly involved multimedia elements and networking. The study indicated increased satisfaction, interest and independence of students in learning, development of individualized learning strategies, increased student engagement and an improved use of class time. Teachers felt that the use of tablet computers stimulated their professional development and enhanced their work satisfaction. Parents were generally supportive of the use of tablet computers and considered it important that the school could continue to invest in new technologies for learning. Indications were of insufficient availability of learning materials in Icelandic and a start of co-configuration of partners to remedy the situation. The evaluation revealed some weaknesses, challenges and opportunities for further development. [For the full proceedings, see ED562140.]
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Handheld Devices, Computer Uses in Education, Electronic Learning, Satisfaction, Learning Strategies, Learner Engagement, Time Management, Professional Development, Program Evaluation, Middle School Students, High School Students, Grade 9, Grade 10, Educational Benefits, Outcomes of Education, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Teaching Methods, Qualitative Research, Statistical Analysis
International Association for the Development of the Information Society. e-mail: secretariat@iadis.org; Web site: http://www.iadisportal.org
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; High Schools; Grade 9; Grade 10
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iceland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A