 |
Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
|
| formerly Journal of Research on Computing in
Education |
Volume 38 Number 1 Fall 2005
Uses and Effects of Mobile Computing Devices in K–8
Classrooms
Karen Swan, Mark van ‘t Hooft and Annette Kratcoski
Kent State University
Darlene Unger
Virginia Commonwealth University
Abstract
This preliminary study employed mixed methodologies to explore
students’ use of mobile computing devices and its effects on their
motivation to learn, engagement in learning activities, and support for
learning processes. Data collected from students in four elementary and
two seventh grade science classes in Northeast Ohio included usage logs,
student work samples, student and teacher interviews, and classroom
observations. Findings highlight the personalization of learning
afforded by such devices both in terms of individuals and individual
classroom cultures, as well as their usefulness in extending learning
beyond the classroom. They also suggest that increased motivation due to
mobile device use leads to increases in the quality and quantity of
student work.
 Download
the full article PDF (PDF, 144 KB, PDF instructions)
Contributors
Karen Swan is the RCET Professor in the Research Center for
Educational Technology at Kent State University. She has published and
presented both nationally and internationally in the specific areas of
programming and problem solving, computer-assisted instruction,
hypermedia design, technology and literacy, and asynchronous online
learning. Her current research focuses on the latter as well as handheld
technologies and teaching and learning in ubiquitous computing
environments.
Mark van ‘t Hooft is a senior researcher and technology
specialist in the Research Center for Educational Technology at Kent
State University. His research focus is on the use of handhelds in
K–12 and teacher education. Prior to his work at RCET, Mark taught
middle school and high school social studies and language arts. He is
also a co-founder and chair of the ISTE Special Interest Group for
Handheld Computing (SIGHC).
Annette Kratcoski is a senior researcher in the Research Center for
Educational Technology at Kent State University. She is currently one of
the lead investigators on a research study examining the effect of
various technologies on the authenticity and intellectual complexity of
student work. She has also coordinated evaluations of various technology
initiatives, including the evaluation of Ohio’s Technology
Literacy Challenge Fund and the external evaluation for various PT3
grants.
Darlene Unger is a faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth
University, where she works as a research associate with the
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports. Dr.
Unger’s research activities have focused on employment of people
with disabilities and the use of handheld technology to improve the
educational and transitional outcomes of students with disabilities. She
has previously coordinated federally funded grant projects that focused
on the school-to-work transition of youth with disabilities.
Contact
Karen Swan
201 Moulton Hall
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
kswan@kent.edu
Mark van ‘t Hooft
201 Moulton Hall
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
mvanthoo@kent.edu
Annette Kratcoski
201 Moulton Hall
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
akractos@kent.edu
Darlene Unger
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports
Virginia Commonwealth University
1314 W. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23284-2011
ddunger@vcu.edu
Copyright © 2005, ISTE (International Society for Technology
in Education). All rights reserved.
| mobile computing, motivation, writing |
|
