Using netbooks to support mobile learners’ investigations across activities and places

Abstract

We explore how small‐format laptops (‘netbooks’) have been used within evidence‐based investigations undertaken by secondary school students, to what extent these are suitable for effectively supporting learners across different locations and contexts, and their implications for open learning. Over the course of seven trials with 300 students and seven teachers we have gathered data on how netbooks have been used in formal and informal learning contexts, bridging school, field locations and home. The netbooks have supported individual, group and class tasks, and acted as both stand‐alone and networked devices. Three themes have emerged: the use of a single device to support inquiries across activities and places; student use and appropriation; and organisation and management. We conclude that netbooks are a category of device that can be highly effective in supporting open learning, although careful consideration is required when considering their deployment and use.

Keywords:

• netbooks
• mobile learning
• portable technology

Acknowledgements

The project acknowledges support from the Economic and Social Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council UK Teaching and Learning Research Programme. The authors are grateful for the support and engagement of the teachers (Ian Tett, Sarah Cowling, Lucy Monger, Laura Stichbury, Rachel Cooke, Danielle Lea and Sarah Banyard) and the IT technicians and students at Oakgrove School, Milton Keynes who participated in these studies.

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