Article Critique
1.
Provide the complete article title and
author.
The
title of the article is “Laptops and Fourth-Grade Literacy: Assisting the Jump
Over the Fourth-Grade Slump”. The article was authored by Kurt A. Suhr, David
A. Hernandez, Douglas Grimes, and MarkWarschauer.
2.
State the Intended Audience. (What is
empirical research and how does it help in the classroom?)
This
article was intended for any educator looking to better fourth-grade literacy
and any school district that is looking for research-based information about
one-to-one laptop instruction. Empirical research is a way of gaining knowledge
by means of direct and indirect observation or experience. Empirical research
is vital in the classroom because it has been proven through studies to be effective.
3. What is/are the research question/questions
or hypothesis/hypotheses?
There were three research questions or
hypostheses addressed in this study.
1. Were there significant differences in the total ELA
score changes in the
California Standards Test (CST) over the two-year period
from third grade to fifth
grade between the one-to-one laptop group and the
non-laptop group, after
controlling for other factors?
2. Were there significant differences in the six subtests
used to compute those total ELA scores for the same two groups?
3. Can participation in a one-to-one laptop program be
used to predict changes in ELA total and subtest scores over the two year period
from third grade to fifth grade? (Suhr, Hernandez, Grimes, & Warschauer,
2010).
4. Describe the subject (participants) and the
procedures (methods) used by the
researcher(s)?
Estrella School District is where the study took place. The
researchers used a quasi-experimental research design to analyze the effects of
the one-to-one laptop program on CST ELA achievement for students in fourth and
fifth grade. There were a total of 108 students from three different schools in
the study. The treatment group was made up of 54 fourth grade students that
were placed in the one-to-one laptop group. The control group was made up of 54
fourth graders that were placed in non-laptop classes. The research took place
over each group for the fourth and fifth grade. They used the students’ third
grade scores as a baseline.
5. What were the conclusions of the researchers?
Do you agree or disagree with the conclusions? Support your position.
The research revealed that the
laptop students outperformed the students who did not use them. The research
also showed that there was a bigger improvement in the second year from the
students using the laptops. This proves the information provided in the study
to be correct. This represents a disruptive technology, and that it thus may
take some time for laptops to have a positive effect on test scores as students
and teachers learn how to use them effectively (Suhr et al., 2010). I agree
with the conclusion that laptop students outperformed the non-laptop students.
The laptops provide more one-on-one time for the students and keep them
interested.
6. What suggestions for further research do the
authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?
The authors suggest it is hard to be
conclusive due to the size of the study, but it adds to an emerging body of
literature that laptop use over multiple years may have a small positive effect
on literacy test score outcomes. I would suggest that further research include
larger groups and to consider how the teacher is using the technology. I think
it would be good to have people observe the teachers on a regular basis.
