Tablet Computer Adoption Programs in High School

1. Tablet Computer Adoption Programs in High School Dean McGee and Jeff VanderNoor 6.24.13

2. Introduction • Technology should support robust and continuous professional development (Walsh, 2012) • Laptops, E-readers, notebooks, and tablets • Technology in the school benefits students and teachers • Adoption of technology depends on: • Leadership • School setting • Technology type • Tablet computing in the classroom used as a learning tool (Brnger, 2012)

3. Tablet Implementation Decision-Making Process • Common Decisions: • Cost • Time • Target group (Valstad, 2010) • Other Decisions • Operating system • Security measures • Supporting infrastructure (Valstad, 2010)

4. Important Drivers of Decision Making • Desire to change the pedagogy based on the teaching and learning methods • Keeping up to date with technology for teacher and student efficacy • Provide students with an equal opportunity to learn (Clark and Svanaes, 2012) • Important factor in decision making: Finding like demographic schools using similar technology

5. Negatives of Tablet Implementation • Security of students • Parents felt insecure (expensive device in the hands of immature) • Loss of device, although history does not prove to be true • Teachers hesitant device would change teaching style • Teachers concerned about time to adopt effectively (Clark and Svanaes, 2012) • Expensive fiscal implications • Bandwidth issues • Backup issues

6. Successful Tablet Implementation in Schools • Marysville School • Sponsor driven • Efficiency in time usage • Access to curriculum and library books • Monadock School • Pilot testing first • Testing technology to see what would fit in the right classrooms • Phases of adoption • Continual analysis and assessment of what is working

7. Successful Tablet Implementation in Schools • Roslyn High School • iPad in two classrooms • Replace the cost of buying textbooks • 1100 students were successful in using iPads in their daily school activities, research and use applications to support learning

8. Impact of Tablet Program Adoption • Design frameworks for schools to ensure successful teaching practices (Bounds, 2013) • Student centered instead of teacher centered • Teacher-student change to communication • Classroom collaboration • Outside class (face time) • Feedback was prompt • Increased level of excitement • Easy progress monitoring • Access to materials was easier

9. Challenges of Tablet Implementation Programs • Cost is the most significant challenge (Thorsen, 2010) • Technology being obsolete in such a short time • Invested in laptops, now to iPads and other tablets • Software costs are expensive (Loch, 2011) • Communication software between teacher and student expensive • Devices coming home, risk of damage • Replacement costs high • Infrastructure costs • Internet connection • Bandwidth (Lazo, 2011) • Filtering: Complicated software to monitor access and content

10. Challenges of Tablet Implementation Programs • Teachers adapt quickly to guide students(Struder, 2007) • Extensive training • Complicated technology lowers teacher efficacy • Implementation in phases • Some students without devices (inequality) • Some schools no implementation plan existed (Brnger, 2012) • Little to no research connects tablet computing to increase academic achievement

11. TAKEAWAYS! • Set up technology stakeholder committee (representative) • Research technology and similar schools using technology • Test what technology will work for your setting • Develop a technology implementation plan • Pilot • Roll out implementation plan in phases • Evaluate phases of development for future consideration

12. Weaknesses and Strengths of Current Research • Weaknesses: • Limited time in use (3 years maximum) • Few schools adopt in the classroom setting • Limited research on impact in schools • Lack of researchers tackling topic • Strengths: • Positive evaluation of both teachers and students pre and post implementation of device • Interviews • Research focuses widely on challenges from new technology in schools (Informative)

13. Summary of Sources • Clarke, B., & Svanaes, S. (2012) One-to-one Tablets in Secondary Schools: An Evaluation Study. Retrieved from http://www.tabletsforschools.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2011-12-Final-Report.pdf • Feasibility of the secondary schools one-to-one tablets. • It identifies the stages of program implementation impact of the program and the challenges.

14. Summary of Sources • Harris, M. (Jan 7, 2013). Tablets next phase for high schools: McClatchy - Tribune Business News. McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. Washington • The article reports on the implementation of tablet computer program • This was followed by evaluation of the advantages and the disadvantages of the program. • It highlights on the issues of concern in the decision making process.

15. Summary of Sources • Bounds, A. (24 Jan 2013). High-tech well before high school: iPad program expands in Boulder Valley elementary classrooms: McClatchy - Tribune Business News . McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. Washington. • The article discusses the adoption of ipads with the aim of improving the learning outcome. • The article highlights the basic requirements for successful program implementation which include, teacher training, security and wireless band width expansion.

16. Summary of Sources • Donovan, L., Hartley, K., & Struder, N. (2007). Teacher concerns during initial implementation of aone-to-one laptop initiative at the middle school level. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 39(3): 263-286. • Evaluates the major concerns raised by teachers/stakeholders in the schools on the effect of implementing new technology in the school. • Security, major changes in teaching styles and methods, and impact of technology on the learning

17. Questions/Comments