An Investigation into the Spelling and Grammar Skills of Students who use Individual Laptop Computers in a Year 6 Classroom

Abstract

This thesis constitutes a case study of a single Grammar School in the State of New South Wales, Australia during the year 2008. This particular study takes on a qualitative approach to research, adopting a case study methodology taking data from lesson observations, student and staff interviews and individual student testing. The case study seeks to investigate the long term effect (positive, neutral or negative) that individual laptop computer use has on the spelling and grammar skills of students in a Year 6 classroom. The results from the data gathered have identified several areas of concern regarding the effective development and maintenance of students’ spelling and grammar skills in paperless computer-based classroom. Consequently, a list of recommendations has been formulated to ensure the effective development and maintenance of students’ spelling and grammar skills in a paperless computer-based classroom.