One-to-One Intiative

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

There are number issues to consider as one enters a one-to-one learning environment.  There are 3 big barriers that school boards and other school leaders need to consider before implementation: The stability of the network, the total cost, and staff training and reluctance.  If the network is not stable or dependable the technology will not be used.  Start-up costs are typically easier to figure out than the maintenance and upkeep costs so budgets must be planned carefully.  This is a long-term commitment your school is making so Boards need to consider future sources of funding.  If your school is going to spend the money on this technology then your staff needs to be on board and given training and time to come up with a vision for how their classes will be enhanced with this initiative.  They also need to be involved in the decision making process

What are the benefits to implementing a one-to-one initiative? and…How does the teaching and learning process change when every student has a laptop computer, or mobile device?

The benefits of the one-to-one initiative are numerous.  They include increased access to information, extending instructional opportunities, improving student motivation, using 21^st Century skills, etc.  For some, they can be used to allow students to do remedial work in an online classroom.  They can be used to take AP other classes that are not offered in your district.  The learnining environment becomes limitless.  There will be more opportunities for personalized content for students and online professional development for staff.  Teachers will have to plan differently for their classes if they are going to use this technology to its fullest potential.  Here is where the necessity of training is essential or we risk technology being used as a baby sitter or pacifier.

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 school board member asked me if we should implement a one-to-one initiative I would say it should have been done 10 years ago.  After that I would ask them questions to determine what their current knowledge of the initiative is and what their expectations are.  It is important to dispel any misconceptions Board members may have about how the initiative will work, what kind of results they should expect, and the ongoing costs.  For our students to excel in the 21^st Century we will have to put 21^st century tools in our students hands.  Educators will have to give them 21^st century tasks to do with those tools and expect results that meet or exceed our 21^st Century standards.  The one-to-one initiative is a must have for school districts.  It should be very high on the list of priorities for a school board to continue or begin supporting.