OLPC

Over the past couple of years the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) has been the poster child for efforts to replace traditional teaching methods with computer based learning. The thinking was that students will learn better and faster with internet connected laptops.

While no definitive studies have been done, there is a lot of evidence to show that just the opposite is true. Several colleges have banned the use of laptops in classes because they have proven to reduce student performance! Students with laptops actually score over 10% lower in classes than students without them. Law schools in particular have found laptops are distractions that divert students from learning how to think in depth.

Connection to the internet doesn't seem to be a major factor either. There are enough distractions on a PC without having web surfing be the sole problem.

It will be interesting to see just how much technology affects student performance over time. I have always been a supporter of students using netbooks but now I'm starting to question their affect on students being able to concentrate on their studies.