Running head: EFFECT ON 6th GRADE MATH SKILLS USING 1:1 IPADS

Effect on Math Skills Using 1:1

IPads in a 6th Grade Math Class
Carly Davis
Chadron State College

Summer, 2014

EFFECT ON 6th GRADE MATH SKILLS USING 1:1 IPADS

Abstract
This study will help find data on whether or not the iPads actually improve the math skills of
these students or if it has the same effect as using a text book. Technology can be used to
improve math knowledge of students if and only if it is used correctly. A few studies report the
pros and cons of iPads, and plain old technology, in the classroom. Some found that students had
little to no improvement on math skills with the use of technology and others reported a positive
effect on math fluency in the classroom. The effect on math fluency depended on how the
technology was used in the classroom. Some studies focused in on one or two applications
specifically for math while other studies threw technology in the classroom with no specific
focus on math apps. Once teachers focus in on one or even just a handful of apps that target math
content then we can start to see a difference in math knowledge and a difference in students
grades.

Statement of Problem
The purpose of this study is to find the effect, if any, on math skills using 1:1 iPads in a
rural 6th grade classroom with no initial focus on certain apps. Do the 6th graders understanding
of math concepts increase due to using the iPads? Will not focusing on certain math apps still
improve the students grades?

Statement of Hypothesis
Individuals say technology will help students understand math concepts better. This study
will focus on the test scores students receive after using 1:1 iPads in their 6th grade classroom.
Students will use different apps throughout the year and wont focus on any one app in particular.

EFFECT ON 6th GRADE MATH SKILLS USING 1:1 IPADS

The scores will be compared to test grades from last years 6th grade students who did not have
access to iPads at school. Therefore it is hypothesized math skills will improve slightly and
excitement in math class will improve drastically.

Methodology
Participants in this study will be the incoming 6th graders in my math classroom. The
rural middle school has approximately 75% white students, 20% Hispanic, and 5% mixed
ethnicities (NCES, 2013). The district just bought iPads for every student from 4th to 12th grade
and plan to implement iPads for every student in the district in the next few years. There will be
around 80 students scheduled to be in 6th grade math this next year. All of the 6th graders will be
involved in the study, including students with IEPs.
The students will take a total of 5 tests throughout the study; a pretest, a test given at the
end of quarter 1, 2, and 3, and a posttest given at the end of quarter 4. The tests will have 20
questions pertaining to basic math concepts the students should have mastered by the end of 5th
grade. 5th grade concepts are expanded upon throughout 6th grade and the students will use these
concepts for future math classes.
Each test will have the same amount of questions for each concept. The problems will not
be the same numbers each time but will be of the same difficulty. After each test the scores will
be collected and a mean found. The mean score for each test will be compared at the end of the
year.

EFFECT ON 6th GRADE MATH SKILLS USING 1:1 IPADS

Procedures
August

Give pretest to students

Hand out iPads to all students
Start implementing the iPad into lessons

October

End of first quarter test

December

End of second quarter test

March

End of third quarter test

May

Give posttest to students

Compare data on all 5 tests

Data Analysis
The data found in this study will benefit both the students and the district. Students will
benefit from this research because I will be able to tailor my future lessons to fit the needs of the
students and to help boost their understanding as much as possible with the technology given.
The district will benefit from this research because it will give an idea on whether or not the
money we have spent thus far on technology is actually helping the students or if it isnt having
an effect at all. The district can use the data to make future decisions for the use of the
technology, such as in-services for the teachers.

EFFECT ON 6th GRADE MATH SKILLS USING 1:1 IPADS

I am using statistical analysis for the research study because I feel as though my students
will benefit the most. The definition of quantitative research says it all; quantitative research is
the collection and analysis of numerical data to describe, explain, predict, or control phenomena
of interest (Gay, 2012, p. 7). The iPads are wonderful to have in the classroom and I want to
make sure I am using them to their full potential, along with making sure the district is using
them correctly as well. We need to have data to make any chances if need be.

References
Gay, L.R., Mills, G.E., & Airasian, P.W. (2012). Educational research: Competencies for
analysis and applications, (10th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
National Center for Education Statistics. (2013). Cozad Public School District Profile [data file].
Retrieved from http://reportcard.education.ne.gov/pg_studentHAL.aspx?
AgencyID=24-0011-000