The acquisition of literacy skills in 1:1 classrooms – the Danish case

Abstract

In Denmark, 1:1 classroom has been implemented in all public schools (grades 1---9). Each student regularly accesses, processes, produces and exchanges written material using a computer (PC, laptop, tablet, etc.). These devices are considered as tools to enhance educational objectives, and in the article I present findings from research about how these devices might be used to enhance the students' acquisition of literacy skills. An internationally comparative analysis by the OECD of the digital skills that students have acquired shows no appreciable improvements in student achievement in reading in the countries that `had invested heavily in educational technology'. The Danish cases presented in this paper, however, identify ways of using digital technology in order to improve student digital literacy skills. They provide evidence suggesting a positive influence on student reading, creating and sharing of learning material in 1:1 classrooms. The results gained are considered critical in the sense that they can be generalized with a view to future development of 1:1 educational initiatives.