Description
Since the Digital Education Revolution (2008), Laptop and ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) programs have become widespread in Australian schools. They are an integral part of teaching and learning in many contexts, providing unbridled access to online information and new ways for students to process information and collaborate. Much research has focused on ‘how to’ examples that teachers can use. However, there is only a small body of research that tries to examine how BYODs are used within schools by teachers and students, particularly in the teaching and learning of History. The purpose of this study is to try to understand the strategies that students use when evaluating online historical information using their device. Furthermore, the researchers are seeking to understand students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards the use of BYOD within the History classroom. This study adopted a case study approach. Two History teachers were recruited for the study, as well as students from their Year 9 Mandatory History Classes (N=10). Students completed online source evaluation activities using their BYOD, as part of their regular program of study. They also completed questionnaires reflecting on the processes they had used and attitudes toward BYOD. Teachers participated in semi-structured interviews following each activity. Preliminary findings suggest that students rely heavily on aesthetic aspects of web-pages, despite reporting that they would consider the creator and purpose of the website. Students and teachers tend to have positive attitudes towards using BYOD in their History classes. This study is limited by its small sample size, and findings cannot be generalised. However, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge about students’ use of BYOD within their History classes. Future research is needed to broaden these findings to a variety of contexts.| Period | 21 Jun 2023 |
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| Event title | Research Frontiers 2 Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Degree of Recognition | Local |