Teachers Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Schools with 1:1 Computing

• Main Authors: Jillian R Powers, Ann T Musgrove, Bryan H Nichols
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Rural Education Association 2020-04-01
• Series: The Rural Educator
• Subjects: one-to-one computing, instruction, technology integration, rural education
• Online Access: https://www.jhseonline.com/index.php/ruraled/article/view/576
• ISSN: 0273-446X; 2643-9662

This article shares the findings of a mixed method study about the implementation of 1:1 computing in a small rural Florida school district. Researchers used multiple regression analyses to examine whether Davis’ (1989) Technology Acceptance Model helped explain teachers’ adoption of 1:1. The results indicated that the rural teachers’ perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of 1:1 were significant predictors of both whole class and individualized instructions with 1:1.  The qualitative phase of the study explored the ways in which the teachers integrated 1:1 into their instructional practices and what factors motivated them to do so. The analysis showed that the teachers used 1:1 largely to foster digital literacy and collaboration as well as to conduct student assessment.  Reasons why the teachers integrated 1:1 into instruction included increasing student engagement, personalizing learning, and facilitating teacher productivity.