Exploring student thinking, problem solving and collaboration in iPad-supported learning environments

This project explored student thinking, problem solving and collaboration when using digital tablets (iPads) for a range of conventional curriculum-related purposes, and in project, problem and inquiry-based learning programmes. Three separate studies were completed in this project. They were: investigating how students used their devices to collaborate on learning tasks in the classroom and beyond, which device features and functions they considered assisted in this process, and how these were used; exploring the nature of thinking skills students applied when using computational apps to solve learning problems embedded in mathematics curriculum; and analysing how students combined procedural and conceptual scaffolds within apps with practical ‘hands on’ work to learn basic science concepts. Data were collected in junior and middle/upper primary innovative learning environments (ILEs) at Leamington Primary School in Cambridge, where small teams of teachers collaboratively planned, taught and assessed.