The Effects of Using Laptop Computers in Classrooms
The Effects of Using Laptop Computers in Classrooms
Sara L. Reyes
Western Oregon University
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As somebody who works in education, I witness daily the benefits and disadvantages associated with using laptop computers in classrooms. I have explored two different articles with research on the effects of laptop-use in classrooms, both at the K-12 level and in higher education. From my personal experience, I can corroborate with some of the data results. In both special education and in general education, laptops have become more prevalent in public schools as a learning tool. How do the effects of learning with laptops in K-12 education compare with those at the higher education level?
The benefits laptop computers have on education at the K-12 level seem to outweigh its disadvantages. The most worthy of noting is the increased engagement and motivation that using laptop computers have on students. Cavanaugh’s article highlights other notable benefits, such as better teacher-student relationships, improved home-school relationships, less direct instruction and more student-centered practices, and the emphasis on inquiry-based learning. Another value the use of the laptop computers have on K-12 students is in “bridging the digital divide” (Cavanaugh, 2011). This article briefly mentions the social and academic benefits for special education (SPED) students as well. As a
SPED Instructional Assistant, I assist my students in using laptop computers regularly. In fact, today my students were taking OAKS (state testing) in math on mini-laptops and needed earphones to use the
“text-to-speech” read aloud feature without disturbing other students. Having the ability to run a testing
environment in a classroom, without having to go to a computer lab, can be convenient. Cavanaugh argues that “learning environment has a powerful effect.” I would agree. For instance, there was a disturbance today during the test when a group of students were being loud outside the open windows to the class that students were testing in!
When considering technology, there can be a downside. A major concern is that preparing educators to be skillful technology users can be frustrating and intimidating. Another disadvantage is

The Effects of Using Laptop Computers in Classrooms 3 that often technical support is limited, which means when the technical support is not available it causes the instructional experience to fail (Cavanaugh, 2011). How does this differ from problems laptops cause students in higher education?
To begin, laptop computers in higher education have a different effect on student learning because the laptop is functioning for other purposes than for K-12 students. Kay signifies three major drawbacks to laptop-use in higher education. The main concern being that it distracts other students. As a student, I have been in a situation where another student’s laptop was a big distraction! When students are not using them for their intended purposes, but for entertainment (i.e. playing games or watching movies) and communication (i.e. social media and instant messaging) it hinders learning. These problems are not usually technical, or due to limited resources, like in a public school setting. These problems mostly exist because students are not making academically responsible choices. In most cases, using laptop computers in classrooms proves to have more benefits.
Student surveys revealed that students felt “note-taking was the most prevalent and important laptop activity they participated in during class”. Students valued laptops for “collaboration or group work” purposes also (Kay, 2011). The ability to communicate through email messages and messages in web board forums is a convenient tool to have at your fingertips. Kay’s article goes on to highlight how laptop computers and wireless access offer opportunities for instructors to plan “in-class academicbased activities” using online searches, videos, and surveys, interactive case studies, and published articles from the web. Research shows that academic success is linked to laptop use in classrooms. All of things considered, I feel (laptop) computers are great tools to have in the classroom when the proper training or expertise is achieved and possible technical problems have been considered beforehand.
Why not utilize the available resources we have that facilitate learning and make it more exciting?

The Effects of Using Laptop Computers in Classrooms
Bibliography
Cavanaugh, C., Dawson, K., & Ritzhaupt, A. (2011). An Evaluation of the Conditions,
Processes, and Consequences of Laptop Computing in K-12 Classrooms.
Educational Computing Research , 45 (3), 359-378.
Journal Of
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Kay, R. H., & Lauricella, S. (2011). Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Using Laptop
Computers in Higher Education Classrooms: A Formative Analysis.
Of Learning And Technology , 37 (1)
Canadian Journal