Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

Skip to main content
Log in

Middle school students’ reactions to a 1:1 iPad initiative and a paperless curriculum

  • Published:
Education and Information Technologies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, 676 middle school students in grades 6, 7 and 8 were asked to complete a survey online, during class time, which asked them their opinions on using iPads in school. Responses to the survey questions were generally positive however comments written at the end were very critical of the initiative. Significant differences were found when comparing the responses of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Seventh grade students, who had been using the iPad since 6th grade, were significantly more positive than the 6th or 8th grade students. Also, the younger students in grade 6 were significantly more positive about using iPads than students in 8th grade. Gender differences were also found, with boys being more positive in their opinions than girls. Distraction and technical problems were among the problems students commented on, as well as eye strain from using the iPad for long periods of time. Increased engagement was evident from the high percentage of students who either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “the iPad makes learning more fun and interesting”.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Attard, C., & Northcote, M. (2012). Mathematics on the move: using mobile technologies to support student learning. Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, 26(4), 29–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bebell, D., & O’Dwyer, L. (2010). Educational outcomes and research from 1:1 computing settings. The Journal of Technology, Learning and Assessment, 9(1).

  • Brudno, S. (2013). How teachers use technology, (vol 30, issue 4). Information Today. 87556286.

  • Crichton, S., Pegler, K., & White, D. (2012). Personal devices in public settings: lessons learned from an iPad Touch/iPad project. The Electronic Journal of e-learning, 10, 23–31.

  • Demski, J. (2011). ELL to go. Technical Horizons in Education Journal, 38(5), 28–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Godzicki, L., Godzicki, N., Krofel, M., & Michaels, R. (2013). Increasing motivation and engagement in elementary and middle school students through technology-supported learning environments. Chicago: Saint Xavier University, Teaching and Leadership Program.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, A. (2013). Students’ perceptions of on-task behavior and classroom engagement in a 1:1 iPad school. English Leadership Quarterly, 36(2), 9–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchison, A., Beschorner, B., & Schmidt-Crawford, D. (2012). Exploring the use of the iPad for literacy learning. The Reading Teacher. 66(1), 15–23.

  • Keane, T., Lang, C., & Pilgrim, C. (2012). Pedagogy! iPadology! Netbookology! learning with mobile devices. Australian Educational Computing, 27(2), 29–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinash, S., Brand, J., & Mathew, T. (2012). Challenging mobile learning discourse through research: student perceptions of “blackboard mobile learn” and iPads. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(4), 639–655.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lei, J., & Zhao, Y. (2008). One-to one computing: what does it bring to schools? Journal of Educational Computing Research, 39(2), 97–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maninger, E., & Holden, M. (2009). Put the textbooks away: preparation and support for a middle school one-to-one laptop initiative. American Secondary Education, 38(1), 5–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKibbons, S. (2016). Taming the screen beast. Education Update, 58(2), 1–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. (2012). Life teaching and learning: collegiate instruction incorporating mobile tablets. Library Technology Reports, 48(8), 54–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, B., & Goorke, V. (2007). Australian undergraduates’ use and ownership of emerging technologies: implications and opportunities for creating engaging learning experiences for the net generation. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 23(2), 171–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. www.marcprensky.com/Prensky.

  • Puentedura, R. (2013). Technology in education: an integrated approach. Paper Presented at 21Century Learning Conference, Hong Kong.

  • Riley, P. (2013) Teaching, learning and living with iPads. Music Educators Journal, 100(1).

  • Rodriguez, C., Strnadova, I., & Cumming, T. (2014). Using iPads with students with disabilities: lessons learned from students, teachers and parents. Intervention in School and Clinic, 49(4), 244–250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sprankles, W. (2013). A properly implemented technology plan can be a critical contributor to student success. American School Board Journal (pp. 16–17).

  • Yau, H. K., & Fong, A. (2012). Gender differences of confidence in using technology for learning. Journal of Technology Studies, 38(2), 74–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Janet M. Ferguson.

Appendix A

Appendix A

Survey Questions and Answers in Percentages

figure afigure afigure afigure afigure a

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ferguson, J.M. Middle school students’ reactions to a 1:1 iPad initiative and a paperless curriculum. Educ Inf Technol 22, 1149–1162 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9480-2

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9480-2

Keywords

Navigation