Abstract

Studies of one-to-one programs consistently report lower use of laptops in mathematics classrooms compared to other subjects but do not elaborate reasons for these observations. This mixed-method study investigated the experiences and beliefs of 28 mathematics teachers at five secondary schools during the second year of the New South Wales Digital Education Revolution laptop program. While some mathematics teachers planned for students to use their laptops up to once a week, most reported less frequent use in the classroom. Teachers were grouped into categories "Non Adopters," "Cautious Adopters," and "Early Adopters" according to reported classroom use of laptops, then analysed for differences in confidence, knowledge, and beliefs relating to technology for teaching and learning mathematics. A prevalent belief limiting laptop use is that students authentically learn mathematics only using pen and paper. Cautious Adopters and Non Adopters expressed beliefs that laptops exacerbate classroom management problems, especially for lower-achieving students. In the context of ability-streamed classes these beliefs effectively ruled out use of laptops for entire classrooms.

Citation

Zuber, E.N. & Anderson, J. (2013). The Initial Response of Secondary Mathematics Teachers to a One-to-One Laptop Program. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 25(2), 279-298. Retrieved August 10, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/113486/.

This record was imported from ERIC on July 1, 2013. [Original Record]

ERIC is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Copyright for this record is held by the content creator. For more details see ERIC's copyright policy.

Keywords

• Classroom Techniques
• Computer Uses in Education
• educational technology
• Foreign Countries
• Laptop Computers
• Mathematics Instruction
• Mathematics Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• teacher attitudes
• technology integration