Reflecting on the Results of the Initiative ETiE for Using Tablets in Primary Schools

Abstract

Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have taken the world by storm. In education, they have exponentially increased the opportunities for mobile and ubiquitous learning, as their unique features give them a competitive edge over conventional teaching. In light of the above, the chapter summarizes and discusses the findings of a series of short research projects, conducted under the umbrella of the initiative Emerging Technologies in Education, involving the use of tablets for teaching science-related subjects, programming, and Greek mythology to kindergarten and primary school students. All in all, it was found that the learning outcomes, which can be considered as good compared to non-technologically enhanced teaching, are closely related to the teaching method, to certain tablets' features, and to the type of application being used. Then again, the impact on students' misconceptions was minimal. Finally, a number of suggestions to software developers as well as to education administrators and policymakers are being discussed.