It is useful to consider the advantages that laptop computers provide in the learning environment, especially in comparison to desktop computers.

Laptops’ portability helps students use technology.

• Laptops are lightweight and can operate on batteries.
• Laptops can be passed among students, moved around the classroom, carried in school and on field trips, and taken home.
• Laptops fit in backpacks and can be carried anywhere.

Laptops facilitate data sharing and processing by students.
Students can share a laptop and take turns to view, input, and analyze data. Individuals or groups can transfer information using filesharing programs and/or wireless connectivity. Students at different locations can interact through email or videoconferencing, using wireless connectivity among computers, or a modem. Laptops provide ready access to Internet resources, even in the field, using wireless remote access. The ability to process and graph data immediately allows students to check estimates and make decisions about the next step of an activity in the field or laboratory. The flexibility of laptops lets students take more ownership in learning—ownership which is key to effective education and positive self-esteem.

Laptops have similar advantages for teachers.
In the classroom, teachers can connect laptops to monitors or overhead projectors to give multimedia presentations, clarify assignments, and review procedures.

• Teachers can use laptops to record and organize notes on individual student progress.
• Teachers can use the computers in conjunction with digital cameras to record events for later student assessment.
• Laptops facilitate communication between students and teachers: using a laptop at home or in the field, students can submit assignments or questions via email or wireless connectivity.

As you review the exemplary lessons selected in the 1999 Toshiba/NSTA Laptop Learning Challenge, you will find ways that laptop computers have been key to the success of the learning experience. Below is a partial list of examples.

Advantages of Laptops in the 1999 Laptop Learning Challenge Lessons

Advantages of Laptops Exemplary Lessons Portable within the school, outside the classroom The Big Hand Challenge Math Hunt Formula for Fitness Solar Race Cars Controlling Robots Portable for field trips and investigations Seaside Science Habitat Dynamics Tree I.D. Worm Weather Predicted At Issue: Light Pollution Exploring the Beach Community Cartography Aquatic Field Data Mapping by Satellite Amusement Park Physics For the Birds Ant Farm Watershed Biology Testing the Waters Provide immediate data processing and graphic feedback Seaside Science At Issue: Light Pollution Exploring the Beach Amusement Park Physics Ant Farm Immediate feedback and analysis allows next-step decision making in the field Solar Race Cars Aquatic Field Data Watershed Biology Testing the Waters Allow file-sharing The Big Hand Challenge Aquatic Field Data Facilitate group work and collaboration Seaside Science Tree I.D. Ant Farm Generate reports and presentations Habitat Dynamics Community Cartography Ant Farm Flexible and inventive uses The Big Hand Challenge Controlling Robots Access to expert resources on the Internet or through email Tree I.D. At Issue: Light Pollution Community Cartography Mapping by Satellite

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