One-to-One Learning
One-to-one learning initiatives are all about putting a laptop into the hands of every student. It's a great way to bridge the home-school connection, and bring learning into every aspect of the student's life. A laptop program enables students to:
- Create collaborative study groups
- Take advantage of project-based learning
- Enjoy easy, efficient Internet access beyond the classroom
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As with any investment, educators need to be clear on their goals for one-to-one computing. Some critics argue that too many schools emphasize technology over learning. Being able to surf the Internet or create an elegantly designed word processing document, they say, doesn't mean that students understand math better or are better able to use critical thinking skills.3
Setting up a Laptop Program
To get the most of out of your laptop program, these guidelines may prove helpful:
- Set high standards: To have a true impact, schools are finding that a one-to-one student-to-computer ratio is ideal.
- Find a partner: Align with a corporate or technology partner that can help enable the program and who has the resources and infrastructure to help you succeed.
- Address the details: Make sure to analyze the state of your school's infrastructure.
- Involve and train your teachers: To support students and experience the full benefits of the program, teachers must be comfortable using the technology.
- Get broad support: Consider establishing a team of leaders from your school representing the populations that will be using the program, i.e. teachers, students, administrators, to support and guide the process. Also, look to your community, from the PTA to local businesses, to provide feedback and support.
- Reach out to parents: Parents can benefit from this program, too. Consider ways to involve them, including training them on the technology their children are using.4
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For help getting started with your own initiative, contact a student computing expert now.
3 Jackson, Lorrie. "One-to-One Computing: Lessons Learned and Pitfalls to Avoid." Education World. September 1, 2004 4 Edwards, Mark A. "Fulfilling the Promise of Ed Tech: Laptops Spur Learning." 1 February 2004. eSchool News. |
