Looks like laptops in schools is a good idea after all.

Giving students their own laptop or a related device can actually boost their learning, according to a new study from Michigan State University.

The report encompassed a meta-analysis of studies looking at the outcome of these one-to-one laptop programs that let each student have an individual device. Researchers found that the widely-spread one-to-one programs were associated with higher test scores in science, writing, math, and English.

The results were small, but were clearly outstanding.

Binbin Zheng from Michigan State University in the US noted that despite the fact that these one-to-one laptop programs have spread extensively, it has always been a matter of debate whether they are "cost-effective and beneficial to educational outcomes."

Zheng believes if put into effect rightly, this technology can effectively lift student achievement, magnify engagement and interest among students, boost teacher-student relationships and promote 21st century skills such as "technological proficiency and problem solving."

One-to-one laptop programs offers a computer to each student in a class, grade level, school or district. According to the researcher, the far-reaching program can enhance educational results when there is teacher buy-in, apt technical support and professional development for teachers, and right application with the course of study, reports Hindustan Times.

That said, Zheng realizes that just giving student a laptop will not actually help. He believes technology should be implemented more effectively and not just for the sake of it. Zheng noted that one-to-one laptop program can dramatically enhance educational results provided there is adequate support for students as well as teachers.

Researchers analysed about 100 academic studies on one-to-one laptop program dating back to 2001. However, only 10 of the 100 academic studies were scientifically accurate enough to be used in a statistical "meta-analysis.

Researchers believe that knowing the general influence of these programs can actually assist school districts in enhancing their technology policies.

The research has been published in in the journal Review of Educational Research.

Topics Michigan State University, Students, Laptop, Teachers, Technology