The Digital Education Revolution: New South Wales Science Teachers’ Response to Laptop Ubiquity

• In Event: Poster Session 20
  In Poster Session: Exploring Science Education

Abstract

In 2009, the Australian government began a 4-year program issuing laptop computers to all Year 9 students. This study explores how science teachers have responded to the ubiquitous presence of laptop computers in their classes. A one-year case study involving two experienced high school science teachers is reported here. Results demonstrate that these teachers are highly committed to developing technology-rich lessons and furthering the learning potential represented by the computers engaging “21st century learners.” In adapting to the presence of the laptops, teachers, however, are confronted by challenges that represent significant barriers to developing the learning potential including: technical challenges of classroom and school connectivity and student reluctance to engage with the computers as a learning tool.

Authors

• Wendy S. Nielsen, University of Wollongong

• K. Alex Miller, University of Wollongong

• Garry F. Hoban, University of Wollongong