The impact of mobile computers in the classroom – Results from an ongoing video study

Since the early 1990’s, laptop computers have repeatedly been suggested as a tool to improve instruction and student learning. Meanwhile, several evaluations have shown that laptops helped to increase the amount of independent and collaborative learning. Instruction with laptops was also found to be more student-centered in many cases. However, most of these studies are based on subjective data (interviews and questionnaires) exclusively. Observational data to confirm these findings is missing. The present study examines 45 lessons (24 with and 21 without laptop use) that where videotaped over the course of 2 1⁄2 years in a laptop program of a German high school. It is found that when laptops are used, the use of other instructional media, particularly notebooks and the blackboard, decreases significantly. The amount of independent work is found to increase significantly, while for other forms of instruction, such as teamwork, pair work, lectures and teacher-guided discussions no differences can be determined. The results are discussed in relation to interview and survey data gathered in the same study.