Going 1:1 is the new magic pill; the new Pandora’s Box; the wave of the future; the next big thing; continue the long list of cliches until disgusted. The sad fact is most people, especially administrators, have no idea what going 1:1 really means in terms of infrastructure, personnel, and learning. It seems, through sad experience, that most administrators believe the old if-you-build-it-they-will-come approach is all it will take to make a 1:1 environment truly work in a school. That approach is wrong.
The first thing required is planning, duh! It is simple, yet too often ignored. The school needs a vision of the goal of technology. Teachers need the big picture, but not only the teachers need it — the support staff needs it as well. How can anyone in a system function properly without having the goal of the system defined for all? Think of one example in nature where the system’s goal is not clearly defined — you can’t! So the vision is the first step. Along with the philosophy is the learning environment. Too many schools say they are 1:1, but when you walk in the classrooms the computers are never out being used, or they are simply gloried word processors. Students taking notes with computers is nice, but it isn’t 1:1 learning. The computers are learning tool. A device which helps communicate and explore content better, not something collecting dust under the desk. A tool unlocking student creativity and allowing them to express themselves more thoroughly. That said, I have worked at two schools where this was never accomplished and, according to colleagues still working in those schools, it probably never will be.
The second part is the infrastructure. A school requires the necessary Internet connection, network capacity, the correct hardware, and software. This sounds basic and logical, but I have worked at two schools where this was not in place. It was painful.
The personnel issue also appears logical, but yet again, many schools do not have it figured out. What is necessary is a technology coordinator who understands education and technology, which is not an easy item to come by; if you have one, you better keep them, because all of the good schools are looking for them. You also need a teacher or two who understand how to use technology, how to design technology infused lessons, and who use it in the classroom, because these folks are going to train others. Notice how those are two different positions — the technology coordinator and the technology integration specialist are not the same job, because trust me they are both full-time positions. Again, I’ve been at schools that had neither of these key positions… Why? Why? Why?
If you are planning to make the leap to 1:1, do your students, teachers, and support staff a huge favor — get it right.
Tags: 1:1, Administration, connectivism, constructivism, Education, learning, one-to-one
