Trimmel, M., & Bachmann, J. (2004). Original article Cognitive, social, motivational and health aspects of students in laptop classrooms. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 20(2), 151-158. Retrieved October 12, 2010, from EBSCO host database.
This study by Trimmel and Bachmann (2004) looked at 49 students at an Austrian private school, 27 students were in laptop only classrooms and 22 were in traditional non-laptop classrooms. The aim of the study was to find differences in cognitive performance, social atmosphere, communication, motivation and issues of strain and health issues. Data was collected by a series of tests and questionnaires over a one and a half year period. All but one non-laptop student reported having a laptop at home with laptop students using a computer 7-8 hours a day and non-laptop students using a computer 2-3 hours a day. The results of this study were quite interesting. Unsurprisingly, laptop students had scored higher on tests regarding general computing skills and had more positive results regarding classroom atmosphere, student motivation, spacial intelligence and learning interest. However there were issues regarding health with laptop students reporting negative effects of physical strain in hands, arms, necks and posture. Strain on eyes was also an issue with laptop students who were commonly suffering the effects of dry eyes.
It seems to be clear in this study that laptops have many positive benefits but these do need to be weighed up against the negative health affects.
No comments:
Post a Comment