Desktops vs. Laptops in Education Keystone Tech Team February 14, 2005
Jan 27, 2015
Desktops vs. Laptops in Education
Keystone Tech TeamFebruary 14, 2005
Technology in Education? It’s the law!
National Technology Standards National Educational Technology Plan PA Technology Standards Keystone Technology Plan, approved by
Board and PDE No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind (Title II-Part D)
1. Primary Goal - to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in elementary schools and secondary schools.
No Child Left Behind
2. Additional Goalsa. To assist every student in crossing
the digital divide by ensuring that every student is technologically literate by the time the student finishes the eighth grade, regardless of the student’s race, ethnicity, gender, family income, geographic location, or disability.
No Child Left Behind
b. To encourage the effective integration of technology resources and systems with teacher training and curriculum development to establish research-based instructional methods that can be widely implemented as best practices by State educational agencies and local educational agencies.
Technology in Education? It’s a different world! Variety of learning styles Individualized instruction Life skills
What Others are SayingAbout Laptops“Technology needs to be flexible and
pervasive. Technology resources need to be where and when you need it. . . Mobile technology ensures protection of your investment. The laptops are always in high demand for instructional use and rarely have time to gather dust. Can we say the same about that desktop computer investment?”
(Horan 4-7)
Why Laptops?“ Why buy five laptops when you can get
seven desktops for the same price? The goal of our use of technology is not to get the most number of computers for the dollar but to get the most learning impact for the technology investment. The investment in the mobile wireless laptop technology will do more to impact learning. . .”
(Horan 4-7)
Laptops are Cost Effective
“The conclusion from the four studies is that notebooks are cost effective compared to dedicated desktop-based computer labs, and they deliver significant educational dividends as well.”
(The Cost Benefit of Mobile Computing)
Laptops are Preferred Solution“Although notebooks carry a higher acquisition cost
and may have a shorter deployment period than desktops, the savings achieved by not having to construct a dedicated lab, install wiring, and buy related networking equipment more than offsets these costs. But even if the cost picture were not as clear, the pedagogical benefits of wireless notebooks alone would make them the preferred solution for school administrators and educators.”
(The Cost Benefit of Mobile Computing)
Laptops Increase Access
“Teachers lack the access to the technology where and when they need it. One might compare it to calculators. When a math teacher needs that technology, they do not march the entire class to another classroom. Children use it at their desk or collaboratively in a group setting.”
(The Role of Educational Technology)
Keystone Teachers Say . . .78% feel we should continue to use laptop
carts (11% unsure, 11% no)
“It is very important that the computers be readily accessible and in good working order.” 7th Grade Teacher
“Laptops give us the flexibility to access primary resources within the classroom.”7th Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say. . .
“The carts are great to use during study hall time so kids can be doing a multitude of tasks at one time.” 6th Grade Teacher
“Many more students are using the computers now that the laptop cart is accessible to the classrooms.”Elementary Reading Specialist
Keystone Teachers Say. . .“We simply do not have accommodations to
house desktops and have them accessible to all.”6th Grade Teacher
“It makes it so much easier to work with students in your own room.”8th Grade Teacher
“I don’t want the progress of my students to be stifled because I can’t get into a lab!”8th Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say. . .
“The laptops are more effective for small group work in the classroom. It is difficult to have 3-4 students working simultaneously with group interaction crowded around one PC.”8th Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say. . .
“Who loses if we get rid of the laptops? The students. The 7th and 8th grade students work with Successmaker, and it has improved our PSSA scores . . . Would they get priority or would it be Senior Projects or research papers? Who would decide?”8th Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say . . .
“I find that many times if I have the cart in my room, I will use the computers several times during the day. Also, students can work on projects when they’ve finished their other class work.”3rd Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say. . .
“I didn’t realize how much technology is used at the college level until my son entered Grove City. Everything is by laptop . . . They expect the students to have the knowledge and understanding coming into the college level.”8th Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say. . .
“The portable labs have allowed me to include much more technology into lessons, as the availability of the permanent computer labs was often in question.”7th Grade Teacher
Keystone Teachers Say. . .
“The laptop carts allow for instruction within your own classroom, where other educationally valuable resources can be included.”7th Grade Teacher
Technology is Used at Keystone!
KHS Laptop Lab Sign-Out
Why Not Install Desktop Mini-labs? 6 computers “ideal” Constructivist, project-based,
cooperative learning New mindset Teacher training Not conducive to 42-minute periods
—block scheduling?
Mini-labs? Some classrooms too small Would require extensive rewiring in
both buildings Need computer tables for each
classroom
Mini-labs?
“ . . . Classroom would include a small area to the side of the room where two to five computers might exist. How does a three-computer station adequately support or impact the learning needs of 30 kids?”
(Horan 4-7)
Please Contact Us with Questions!
Sharon [email protected] 797-1261 x141
Tami [email protected] 797-1261
Linda [email protected] 797-1251 x122
Linda [email protected] 797-1251 x122
Barb [email protected] x145
Mike [email protected] 797-1261 x150
Works Cited
"The Cost Benefit of Mobile Computing." Case Studies in Education. 2002. IDC. 13 Feb. 2005 <http://www.dell4hied.com/offers/article_107.pdf?actid=66260>.
Horan, Mike. "Ten Tips for a Healthier Tech Life." Connected Newsletter February 2005: 4-7.
"The Role of Educational Technology." 21 January 2004. Jeffco Public Schools. 13 Feb. 2005 <http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/itech/documents/TheroleofEducationalTechnology.pdf>.