Implementation and outcomes of a laptop initiative in career and technical high school education

This study examined the design, implementation, and outcomes of a laptop technology initiative in a career and technical education high school, in which many of the students had identified learning disabilities. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected that included teacher and student surveys, classroom observations, teacher interviews, student focus groups, and document analysis. Findings of the study indicated that teachers and students a) exhibited improvements in their technological skills and competence, b) used computers extensively for a range of traditional and innovative tasks, and c) strengthened their beliefs and attitudes toward the role of computers in teaching and learning. Increased access to resources and technical support were factors that facilitated sustained use of laptops. The nature of teacher professional development, the physical set-up of the classrooms, and the lack of accountability mechanisms were factors that hindered the implementation of laptops. Results of the study have implications for researchers and practitioners involved in the implementation of laptop initiatives.