1:1 Computing
Are we ready for 1:1 computing? Many schools have been experimenting with such a concept, but how many schools are even discussing the idea? Why should schools be moving in this direction? Are we ready financially to make this proposition a reality? Are we ready with the robust infrastructure necessary? What would the benefits be to students? What might the challenges be? How long before 1:1 computing becomes a common goal in schools?
Lots of question, and of course, few answers. First, we need to come to some concrete conclusions as to why anytime/anywhere access to technology is valuable. If we use it just as an add-on to what we do educationally - in other words, same methods with a little technology to spice it up - we won’t be harnessing the true power of the technology. If we alter our beliefs of what good education looks like, anytime/anywhere access could prove to be a very valuable thing. With more and more content being digitized, students would be able to access that content in authentic ways - just like they currently do in their after-school lives.
We also need to look at more creative ways of budgeting. The textbook will surely become a thing of the past. This could free up vast amounts of money to purchase computers, providing professional development in new teaching methods, and purchasing flexible digital content - content that will also be more current and useful.
Wireless networks will have to be a major part of the solution if 1:1 computing is to become a reality. It would be interesting to see what districts are doing with 1:1 computing and wireless technology. It’s always hard to tell where technology will be in 3 years because it changes so rapidly. 1:1 computing was a major theme at the NECC conference last year in New Orleans. I’m sure it will continue to be a topic of discussion until we develop a practical solution that will provide anywhere/anytime access.
In this months Technology & Learning magazine, Joe Hofmeister of the Cincinnati Country Day School describes their 1:1 tablet pc initiative: “It’s the hardest, but best, thing we have ever done with technology. It has profound implications for the way the school does business.”
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