desktops vs laptops in education

Desktops vs. Laptops in Education

Keystone Tech TeamFebruary 14, 2005

Technology in Education? It’s the law!

National Technology Standards National Educational Technology Plan PA Technology Standards Keystone Technology Plan, approved by

Board and PDE No Child Left Behind

No Child Left Behind (Title II-Part D)

1. Primary Goal - to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in elementary schools and secondary schools.

No Child Left Behind

2. Additional Goalsa. To assist every student in crossing

the digital divide by ensuring that every student is technologically literate by the time the student finishes the eighth grade, regardless of the student’s race, ethnicity, gender, family income, geographic location, or disability.

No Child Left Behind

b. To encourage the effective integration of technology resources and systems with teacher training and curriculum development to establish research-based instructional methods that can be widely implemented as best practices by State educational agencies and local educational agencies.

Technology in Education? It’s a different world! Variety of learning styles Individualized instruction Life skills

What Others are SayingAbout Laptops“Technology needs to be flexible and

pervasive. Technology resources need to be where and when you need it. . . Mobile technology ensures protection of your investment. The laptops are always in high demand for instructional use and rarely have time to gather dust. Can we say the same about that desktop computer investment?”

(Horan 4-7)

Why Laptops?“ Why buy five laptops when you can get

seven desktops for the same price? The goal of our use of technology is not to get the most number of computers for the dollar but to get the most learning impact for the technology investment. The investment in the mobile wireless laptop technology will do more to impact learning. . .”

(Horan 4-7)

Laptops are Cost Effective

“The conclusion from the four studies is that notebooks are cost effective compared to dedicated desktop-based computer labs, and they deliver significant educational dividends as well.”

(The Cost Benefit of Mobile Computing)

Laptops are Preferred Solution“Although notebooks carry a higher acquisition cost

and may have a shorter deployment period than desktops, the savings achieved by not having to construct a dedicated lab, install wiring, and buy related networking equipment more than offsets these costs. But even if the cost picture were not as clear, the pedagogical benefits of wireless notebooks alone would make them the preferred solution for school administrators and educators.”

(The Cost Benefit of Mobile Computing)

Laptops Increase Access

“Teachers lack the access to the technology where and when they need it. One might compare it to calculators. When a math teacher needs that technology, they do not march the entire class to another classroom. Children use it at their desk or collaboratively in a group setting.”

(The Role of Educational Technology)

Keystone Teachers Say . . .78% feel we should continue to use laptop

carts (11% unsure, 11% no)

“It is very important that the computers be readily accessible and in good working order.” 7th Grade Teacher

“Laptops give us the flexibility to access primary resources within the classroom.”7th Grade Teacher

Keystone Teachers Say. . .

“The carts are great to use during study hall time so kids can be doing a multitude of tasks at one time.” 6th Grade Teacher

“Many more students are using the computers now that the laptop cart is accessible to the classrooms.”Elementary Reading Specialist

Keystone Teachers Say. . .“We simply do not have accommodations to

house desktops and have them accessible to all.”6th Grade Teacher

“It makes it so much easier to work with students in your own room.”8th Grade Teacher

“I don’t want the progress of my students to be stifled because I can’t get into a lab!”8th Grade Teacher


“The laptops are more effective for small group work in the classroom. It is difficult to have 3-4 students working simultaneously with group interaction crowded around one PC.”8th Grade Teacher


“Who loses if we get rid of the laptops? The students. The 7th and 8th grade students work with Successmaker, and it has improved our PSSA scores . . . Would they get priority or would it be Senior Projects or research papers? Who would decide?”8th Grade Teacher

Keystone Teachers Say . . .

“I find that many times if I have the cart in my room, I will use the computers several times during the day. Also, students can work on projects when they’ve finished their other class work.”3rd Grade Teacher


“I didn’t realize how much technology is used at the college level until my son entered Grove City. Everything is by laptop . . . They expect the students to have the knowledge and understanding coming into the college level.”8th Grade Teacher


“The portable labs have allowed me to include much more technology into lessons, as the availability of the permanent computer labs was often in question.”7th Grade Teacher


“The laptop carts allow for instruction within your own classroom, where other educationally valuable resources can be included.”7th Grade Teacher

Technology is Used at Keystone!

KHS Laptop Lab Sign-Out

Why Not Install Desktop Mini-labs? 6 computers “ideal” Constructivist, project-based,

cooperative learning New mindset Teacher training Not conducive to 42-minute periods

—block scheduling?

Mini-labs? Some classrooms too small Would require extensive rewiring in

both buildings Need computer tables for each

classroom

Mini-labs?

“ . . . Classroom would include a small area to the side of the room where two to five computers might exist. How does a three-computer station adequately support or impact the learning needs of 30 kids?”

(Horan 4-7)

Please Contact Us with Questions!

Sharon [email protected] 797-1261 x141

Tami [email protected] 797-1261

Linda [email protected] 797-1251 x122

Linda [email protected] 797-1251 x122

Barb [email protected] x145

Mike [email protected] 797-1261 x150

Works Cited

"The Cost Benefit of Mobile Computing." Case Studies in Education. 2002. IDC. 13 Feb. 2005 <http://www.dell4hied.com/offers/article_107.pdf?actid=66260>.

Horan, Mike. "Ten Tips for a Healthier Tech Life." Connected Newsletter February 2005: 4-7.

"The Role of Educational Technology." 21 January 2004. Jeffco Public Schools. 13 Feb. 2005 <http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/itech/documents/TheroleofEducationalTechnology.pdf>.