Why Choose 1:1 in schools?
How often have you heard someone say, “Get with the times!”? Just like we encourage digital immigrants to use more technology in their daily lives, we should be encouraging more teachers to use technology in the schools as well. Technology is used daily in our personal lives, so why not include it daily in our education? Schools have always provided an opportunity for students to use a computer, iPad, or some other device during a given class period for a specific lesson, but it has historically been one student or group of students at a time due to availability or cost. Only recently have students began using computers more often in a computer lab or by way of a laptop cart. Some schools even have class sets of handheld devices. While these options provide more opportunities for students to use technology, many districts are faced with the option of starting a 1:1 model in their schools, which would provide a device for each student.
One great benefit of beginning a 1:1 model in schools is to ensure that each student has the same device and equal opportunities to use technology to learn. In each district, there is unfortunately a divide between the economically advantaged and the economically disadvantaged. Providing the same devices for all students prevents technology from “becoming a status symbol for students” (Wainwright). Students will not feel left out or different when they all have the same device for school work.
Another benefit of 1:1 model in school pertains to the planning and implementation of technology within lessons. It takes time and resources to effectively plan lessons that integrate academics and technology. Knowing what device, programs, and apps the students should be using will help to create consistency for planning and grading. Not all students are familiar with all devices, programs, and apps, so inevitably students will be learning something new at some point. With this comes learning on the teacher’s part as well. It takes time to learn these new programs and apps prior to using them during the class.
The IT department will be thankful when it comes to repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting. “Every student and every teacher has the exact same device loaded with the exact same software, making device management a lot easier” (Winske, 2014). If everyone has the same model laptop or tablet, when something goes wrong, the IT department has probably seen it before. This makes for quick recovery and a small loss of instructional time.
So why might some districts say no to 1:1? One initial downside is the cost. Some districts begin implementing this model with one grade or a small span of grades, but even this is expensive to start and maintain. There can be discounts when purchasing in bulk whether it is the device itself or accessories to go along with the devices, but regardless, an upfront cost is involved. Another reason some schools may be hesitant to implement the 1:1 model is because they need to have plan in place for professional development. “Districts need to make concentrated efforts in championing not only the functional aspects of technical aptitude, but also the integrative possibilities with how instruction can be transformed through a digital paradigm” (Wlodarz, 2013). It is not feasible to provide everyone with technology and have teachers learn for themselves. They simply need the training on how to use the technology efficiently in the classroom.
The 1:1 model offers many benefits to include all students and have everyone learn using the same tools. Technology is not going to disappear, so we need to embrace using it with our students. It may make some aspects of school easier at the same time that it makes other aspects more challenging. Lisa Dayse, an account executive at integration firm said “A lot of people just want to get the hardware and advertise they are 1:1,but the effectiveness is really dictated by the content and how well it’s utilized” (Winske, 2014). With some preplanning in place, the 1:1 model can be an effective tool in schools and help our students succeed.
Wainright, A. (no date). 1:1 vs. BYOD in education: which is better?. Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/1-1-vs-BYOD-in-Education-Which-is-Better
Winske, C. (2014, December 14). Comparing BYOD vs. 1:1 learning—which should you choose?. Retrieved from http://www.k-12techdecisions.com/article/mobile_learning_debate_byod_vs
Wlodarz, D. (2013). 7 big mistakes K-12 education needs to avoid in 1:1 computing plans. Retrieved from http://betanews.com/2013/07/22/7-big-mistakes-k-12-education-needs-to-avoid-in-11-computing-plans/