Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

David Weintraub

Abstract

Administrators of a New Jersey school district implemented a 1:1 laptop initiative in Grades 6-8 in 2013 to bolster student achievement. An evaluation had not been conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the initiative. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the 1:1 laptop initiative on student achievement. The conceptual framework for this study was Stufflebeam's context, input, process, and product evaluation model. The focus of the research question was the differences in New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge math scores between students involved in the 1:1 laptop initiative for 1 year and students who were not involved. A quantitative post hoc analysis was used to examine data collected from the state assessment database using a convenience sample of only 6th grade students (n = 109). The students' data on the statewide test revealed a mean difference between the 1:1 group (n = 57) which scored 13 points higher than the control group (n = 52). Results of an independent t test were statistically significant at the p = 0.062 level. A position paper based on study findings includes recommendations to the local board of education to continue the initiative and plan professional development for teachers. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative. Investments in technology such as this initiative may result in improved teaching and learning as a positive social change outcome. Being involved in a 1:1 laptop initiative at an early age in school may assist students in becoming literate in the use of technology, which may help them meet their future career goals.

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