Mobile Computing

Giving each student access to a laptop computer or other mobile computing device is having a profound effect in schools from coast to coast. A study of Maine's pioneering effort to give laptops to every sixth grader across the state, for example, reveals that students' writing scores have increased as a result of the program. Students are writing more frequently, because the technology allows for easy revisions and the sharing of their work.

But not all schools are sold on the concept. The New York Times reported last year on the difficulties some schools have experienced with laptop programs. Support has been a problem in some schools, while others have struggled to keep students from using the machines inappropriately. Cost also has been an issue, as critics have questioned whether laptops for every student are worth the investment.

Fortunately, the number of mobile computing options for schools continues to multiply--and the emergence of new low-cost solutions could render the cost issue obsolete. As more and more schools adopt mobile computing programs, the body of knowledge about which approaches work best (and which don't work at all) also continues to grow.

With the generous support of Toshiba, we've assembled this collection of stories from the eSchool News archives to help school leaders sift through these issues. Our aim is to help you make the best possible decision for your students as you consider mobile computing in your own schools. --The Editors

eSchool News Articles

  • Microsoft opens Windows to XO laptops
    Fri, Dec 07, 2007 Primary Topic Channel: One to one computing
    In a development that ultimately could boost sales of the One LaptopPer Child (OLPC) foundation's low-cost XO computer to governments worldwide, Microsoft Corp. on Dec. 6 said it would begin testing a version of its WindowsXP operating system on the machine in January. [ Read More ]
  • Birmingham mayor seeks low-cost laptops
    Mon, Dec 03, 2007 Primary Topic Channel: One to one computing
    The low-cost XO laptop computer that aims to revolutionize education worldwide could be coming to Birmingham, Ala., students for about the same low cost that officials in developing nations must pay, if a deal reported to be in negotiations goes through. [ Read More ]

  • More students getting laptops instead of textbooks
    Thu, May 17, 2007 Primary Topic Channel: Curriculum
    With the help of funding for schools affected by Hurricane Katrina and reward money for rising test scores, a Louisiana high school this fall will become one of the first in the state to dump textbooks in favor of laptop computers and an all-digital curriculum. [ Read More ]

  • Specs for 'ideal' school laptop released
    Mon, Jan 15, 2007 Primary Topic Channel: Computers
    Project Inkwell, an organization consisting of volunteer educators andtechnology companies, has released a set of specifications for creating the "ideal" one-to-one computing device for students in developed nations. To meet the specific needs of students, one-to-one computing devices in schools should be under 4 pounds, come with a carrying case, and provide at least four hours of battery life, among other specifications, the group says. [ Read More ]
  • 1-to-1 computing on the rise in schools
    Mon, May 01, 2006 Primary Topic Channel: Handheld technologies
    When Jeanne Hayes set out to research the deployment of 1-to-1 computing programs in the nation's schools earlier this year, she expected to see growth in the number of schools that have adopted 1-to-1 strategies. She didn't expect to see so much growth. [ Read More ]
  • The 'brutal facts' of 1-to-1 computing
    Mon, May 01, 2006 Primary Topic Channel: One to one computing
    In case you've been asleep for the past few years, there is a new vision for educational technology. This new vision--commonly known as 1-to-1 computing--is the latest in a long list for technology in K-12 schools, which over the years has included a computer lab in every school, computers in every classroom,a computer for every teacher, and all schools and classrooms connected to the internet. [ Read More ]

  • Youths use cell phones as mini-PCs
    Wed, Apr 05, 2006 Primary Topic Channel: Research
    A new survey suggests that today's youth--and minorities in particular--are using cell phones more and more as mini personal computers, sparking a revolution in ubiquitous computing. The survey could have important implications for school leaders looking to design programs that appeal to their students and younger stakeholders. [ Read More ]

  • Studies validate laptop programs in U.S., Canada
    Mon, Mar 01, 2004 Primary Topic Channel: Research
    Two recent studies of schoolwide one-to-one computing initiatives--one in the United States and one in Canada--suggest that using laptops in the classroom can help improve students' writing skills and bolster overall academic success. The studies come as an increasing number of states and school districts are rolling out laptop programs of their own. [ Read More ]