How to Teach Science in 1 to1 Primary Schools: An Experimental Study About Learning Objects Efficacy in Critical Contexts

he One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project aims to distribute low cost laptop PCs (called "XO laptops") in schools. The OLPC initiative has been implemented in many developing countries, but only Uruguay reached the "saturation" goal distributing more than 500.000 XO personal computers, thus covering the entire primary school population (teachers included). This study is based on the idea that this One-to-One Computing model, joined to Digital Game-Based Learning, could represent a convenient, integrated solution for improving scientific literacy and students' engagement in critical contexts. In 2010 we conducted a research about the use of infographics, animations and interactivity in Learning Object Design. This experiment involved N=226 early adolescent students from 12 classes of Montevideo. We presented the same content in 3 different ways, modifying the instructional format according to Mayer's Multimedia Learning Principles and to the First Principles of Instruction by David Merrill. We compared the outcomes achieved by two experimental groups to the results of a control group that attended a frontal lesson led by a teacher. The first experimental group received a digital tutorial in a self-directed learning setting, while the kids of the second experimental group individually played an interactive "Learning Game". Both of them were guided by a virtual tutor. In order to check the impact of the experimental conditions we identified 5 learning objectives using a content/performance matrix and administered four tests: Retention, Comprehension, Problem Solving Transfer Test, Delayed Problem Solving Transfer Test (after a week). We also used a qualitative tool, a self-administered questionnaire for the User Experience satisfaction.