I will suggest readers check out “Digital Device Choices Could Impact Common-Core Test Results, Studies Finding,” by Benjamin Herold, Education Week, July 19, 2016.  The article starts by noting that, “Some test questions are likely harder to answer on tablets than on laptop and desktop computers, presenting states and districts with a new challenge as they move to widespread online assessments.”

…

“”Device effects” are a real threat to test-score comparability, the report concludes, one of many potential challenges that state and district testing directors must wrestle with as they move away from paper-and-pencil exams,” the article later continues.

Eduhonesty: To tie this to my earlier post about financial differences between districts and the impact on technology, I will note tablets are cheaper than laptops. Tablets are also less versatile. While many financially comfortable districts may opt to use tablets with their students, I suspect you will find greater tablet use overall in less advantaged districts, simply because tablets are more affordable.

Putting the links together in my chain, I suggest these device effects will be more problematic and cause more difficulty for less financially fortunate districts, contributing to the chasm that already exists between ZIP Codes in this country. Why? Laptops can provide more advanced performance in comparison to tablets because their larger size generally allows more hardware and consequently software.*

Many factors are in play in the tablet versus desktop versus laptop situation. Total computing power of the district will prove hugely important, as will familiarity with hardware provided. I could list various other factors that might muddy test results considerably, such as numbers of test practice sessions and keyboarding/touchscreen skills.

I wish to reiterate here, though, that those students who are raised in technologically-deficient districts enter testing with an added disadvantage which has nothing to do with their actual knowledge of curriculum content.
*Read more at http://trustedreviews.com/opinions/tablet-vs-laptop#PrlPoYCLS1K9imdt.99