Unit 8 - 1 to 1 Initiative

What are the benefits to implementing a one-to-one initiative?

 

The biggest benefit to implementing a one-to-one initiative is meeting students where they are at and where they are at is the technology age. This also allows them to keep pace and connect with the rest of the world. This is by far not the only benefit. One-to-one iterative can help increase student achievement and decrease the achievement gap. Student engagement is also a benefit. Provided that students have internet access, it allows them to work from wherever they want. While initial cost of technology for a one-to-one initiative is expensive, it can cut down on future curriculum cost. Schools can purchase virtual textbooks to put on computers that save cost and more likely to be current. Schools are also able to use course management software and learning management systems. These are just a few of the benefits of a one-to-one initiative.

 

What are some potential barriers to implementing a one-to-one initiative?

 

The largest and most prominent barriers of a one-to-one initiative is cost. Initial cost of computers, software, hardware, staffing, and other peripheral cost can be astronomical. Another part of the cost would be to make sure the wireless network was strong enough to handle and increased load. Unless schools have a clear goal and plan as to how and why initiative is needed, they will not be able to overcome this barrier. While student engagement was mentioned above as a benefit, some would argue that this benefit only appears in the early stages of the initiative. For some students, these computers quickly become a distraction. More computers create a need for more physical space, which some schools already lack. Expanding on the cost barrier from above, increased staffing will be needed to fix and repair broken machines. The last barrier is the apprehension of embracing new technology by the “old guard” in the staff.

 

How does the teaching and learning process change when every student has a laptop computer, or mobile device?

 

Two things need to be noted before the discussion about the change in the learning process takes place. First, technology is just a tool. A paint brush in my hand is just a paint brush, but a paint brush in the hands of an artist is something completely different. Second, technology does not create more trust or increase classroom management. It amplifies what is already going on.

 

When every student has a device, the learning process can change dramatically in a classroom. It allows the teacher to provide more individualized instruction and encourage student centered learning. It allows students to have more of an opportunity to work collaboratively, even if they are not in the same room. Online surveys, games, and programs like Kahoot allow teachers to gauge the amount of the content learned from all students. If all students have a device, teachers are able to use learning management systems that saves them and the student time. These learning management systems allow almost instantaneous feedback and a decrease in the amount of paper. Overall, putting a device in every student’s hands allows them and encourages them to be less passive learners. While teachers need to use and encourage this, they also need to understand that there is a balance that needs to be maintained.

 

At this point in time, how would you respond if a school board member asked if your school should implement a one-to-one initiative?

 

If a board member asked me that today, I would probably politely ask them where they have been the last few months. Prior to Covid, Oldham-Ramona was one-to-one in grades 7-12. Covid created the need for every student in the school to have a device due to distance learning. A pandemic is a great motivator for a one-to-one initiative. Even though we are not in distance learning currently, each student having their own device has helped us to mitigate the possible spread of Covid. No longer are computers being put on a cart and being pushed or shared from room to room. Each student has a computer that they use for the entire day.