Running head: ARTICLE CRITIQUE THREE

Brigette Southern
Article Critique Three
FRIT 7237
Georgia Southern University

Summary

ARTICLE CRITIQUE TWO

Lowther, D. L., Ross, S. M., & Morrison, G. M. (2003). When each one has one: The influences
on teaching strategies and student achievement of using laptops in the classroom.
Educational Technology Research & Development, 51(3), 2344.

The study consisted of 12 classrooms with a 1:1 student to computer ratio. These were
referred to as the laptop classrooms. There were 9 control classrooms. These control classrooms
had teachers that received the same training as the laptop classrooms but only had 5-6 desktop
computers versus the laptop classrooms with a laptop for each student. Grade levels 5th, 6th, and
7th participated in the study.
Classroom visits were done during data collection. The observers did not know what the
purpose of the study was. Observers visited 10-12 randomly selected classrooms. Each
observation lasted 15 minutes in each classroom. Observers recorded classroom events and
activities. They were looking for specific strategies. At the end of the observation period, they
rated how often they saw these specific strategies used. The strategies that the observers were
looking for included traditional practices and student-centered practices. Computer use was also
observed. A problem-solving task was given to randomly chosen students from both groups.
Students and parents in both groups were given a survey. University researchers interviewed
randomly selected teachers.
The study found that instruction in the laptop classrooms was more student-centered.
These learning environments were more active. The study was completed over two years.
Researchers found that the learning was more student-centered in year one than in year two.
Teachers stated in interviews that the fact that laptops were available allowed them to create
different lessons. Students were much more confident in the laptop classrooms and performed

ARTICLE CRITIQUE TWO

better on the problem solving task. The study results leads to the belief that the laptop classrooms
were more beneficial for students.
Critique
This was an interesting study. We hear so much about the use of computers in todays
society. A research study that looks at the actual effectiveness of this is a good idea. I would have
liked to see a continuation of this study. The fact that it declined active learning so significantly
is interesting. I like how the article pointed out that the teachers might have taught model
lessons during the first year. I feel like the excitement of having a classroom full of laptops
would cause someone to create lessons centered on that. Eventually, it seems as though teachers
may fall back into their old traditional ways of teaching. I would be interested to see another
year of observations to see if there is another decline.