English language learning in a one-to-one computing environment: Impacts and considerations

This case study research describes and evaluates the impacts of the learning of English language in an ICT-enriched learning environment in a primary school under the FutureSchools@Singapore programme. Students from the school are provided with two-to-one computing devices in Primary 1 and subsequently one-to-one computing learning environment from Primary 2 (i.e., Grade 2) onwards. Students procure their own computing devices from Primary 4. This case study describes how ICT has been used for the teaching and learning of English. The frequency of ICT use in the English classrooms is also presented. More importantly, the impacts in terms of the students’ ICT skills, English test score and feedback from students involved are also presented and discussed. The students performed well in the ICT skill test. The students also performed relatively well in the English test as compared to the control school. In general, the students commented that they were satisfied with the use of their notebook computers. They found it interesting, useful and easy to use. However, students complained about the computer viruses, small computer screen, battery lifespan, weight of their notebook computers, slow internet connect speed and internet connect errors. In the self-reported higher-order thinking questionnaire, no significant difference was found for students’ problem-solving skills. However, students from the control school reported a statistically higher score as compared to the experimental school for reflective thinking. Copyright © 2012 Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education.