One to One Initiative

What is a reasonable expectation for initiating a one-to-one program at your school? First, is it possible and if no then why? Second, what device would work best for your school, and if you answered no to the previous, what device do YOU think would be ideal for your school? Is BYOT an option? Third, what kind of feedback would you expect from teachers? Last, how would YOU best use one-to-one devices in your classroom?

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ISTE Wiki One to One

Launching an iPad 1-to-1 Program

Is BYOT Just a Bridge to 1-to-1?

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Permalink Reply by Robin McCarter on February 17, 2013 at 10:11pm

Refurbished technology would be a great way for schools with low budgets to start incorporating it into the classrooms, especially for one-to-one programs. I know that Apple will take old equipment and refurbish it for resale if possible, but I do not know if they have a program to sell refurbished items to schools. Sounds like a great idea. They do have a document with funding resources on their website though: http://images.apple.com/education/docs/l501899b_fed_funds_for_apple...

Permalink Reply by Carly Shields on April 19, 2013 at 9:37am

Diane, I completely agree! Funding is a huge issue and I fear it will prohibit the one-to-one initiative from ever taking place fully in the classroom. We have so much that we still need before technologies such as these can be pushed for. I believe before the one-to-one initiative will ever take place in my district, they will provide students with technologies to share that would only be left at school. I do not believe these technologies will be readily available to students until the one-to-one program is fully in place.

Permalink Reply by Alison Dunn on February 11, 2013 at 4:46pm

I think it would be great to have a one to one program at our school. In the school I teach at it is only pre-school, Kindergarten, and First Grade. The only way I do not think it is possible is that there is just not enough money to fund for these devices. Also, the parents in the area that I teach are not well to do either and really struggle. If we could have a one to one program at our school I think it would be great to have IPADS. Some of our Special Education Classrooms already have these devices and the students have had much success! I think if we have the funds to provide all of our students with tablets or our parents could help in some way, I think the teachers would definitely be on board. In my own classroom I would use these devices for instructional purposes and to really get my students interacting in the lessons. There are a variety of games or other apps that you could use that would really tie in with what you are teaching about. I would also use them to differentiate my instruction. I have many students that are on different levels with their learning. Sometimes I find it a challenge to find things that meets each of their individual needs. If the students were provided with these educational tools, there are so many options that you could use for the students. I think the one on one program sounds like an amazing thing to start in every school. The only issue is finding the funds to provide them to every student!

Permalink Reply by Gwen Keohane on February 12, 2013 at 8:28am

I also teach in pre-school kindergarten centers. I only teach kindergarten students, but I also could see all our students benefitting from iPads. I really think if we don't force parents to fund the one to one program they would be very supportive! The issue than is that the districts are fronting the bill completely. As someone who has an iPad for instruction I love the options for kids. I wish I had a class set because for now kids have to take turns to play the games and create music using different apps. They do a great job being patient, but I feel that it restricts creativity having to take turns and not create an entire song on their own. I also hope that in the near future the one to one programs can start up.

Permalink Reply by Kristin Gillespie on February 13, 2013 at 7:34pm

I use iPads in my classroom and it is the easiest way to differentiate instruction and target those students who are really struggling with a specific skill. For example, the kids in my classroom love this site word app on the iPad. One child may be working on kindergarten sight words while another is working on second grade sight words. It is so easy for me, because I'm not copying word lists or making flashcards. Students are so independent during iPad time. They are engaged and focused!

Permalink Reply by Danny O'Connor on February 19, 2013 at 8:18am

It seems like you make great use of your technology in the classroom. Being able to differentiate is awesome and it sounds like you do a great job of it. Even though it would be difficult to have all kids using technology at the same time, I think it is realistic to have technology center. I agree that anytime a student has technology at their fingertips they seem more focused and engaged.

Permalink Reply by Diane O'Connor on February 16, 2013 at 4:53am

The common theme in all of the posts is funding. I think if we really want something like this to happen it is going to be a combination of efforts; a motivated facilitator, community support through donations of used tablets or monetary contributions, PTA fundraisers, teaching staff support, parental support, development of procedures, professional development. Enticing the makers of the tablet to create one for schools to purchase would most likely require proof of profitability and the public support of a famous Hollywood figure (Does anyone know Sean Combs?

Permalink Reply by Jeanine Kersch on February 16, 2013 at 9:10am

Your comments made me think back to the first computers that were put in place at my son's school approximately 20 years ago. I had not made the connection until just now. This implementation of 1:1 reminds me of those Gateway 2000 computers that were paid for by PTA fundraisers and outside contributors. They were delivered and tested and Reader Rabbit was loaded and ready to go. On the first day the lab was open for business they blew the circuits in the building because they had not anticipated the electrical needs of 30 computers that were on at the same time! During those first few years we were always drumming up money for site licenses, equipment repairs and then they could not run the newer operating system.

Today all of our schools have a teacher computer plus a library and labs with desktop computers. Many of you probably have computers for student use in your own classrooms. We have come a long way from where the computer once was a novelty and now is felt to be a necessity. It is hard for us to anticipate all of the bumps in the road as we move forward into this new future. There are going to be problems that we did not anticipate and some we fear that may never occur. The end result will be worth it.

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Williams on February 11, 2013 at 5:27pm

I think the idea of initiating a one-to one program in my school is a great idea. I believe anything is possible if you find the money to do so. I know my school has a very low budget and often has trouble funding ink cartridges for teachers’ printers in the classroom. I would like to see a one-to-one program started at my school with the Ipads. After researching this device, the Ipads seem to be a great tool to incorporate in the classroom. Students become actively engaged and are excited to use the tool. I believe for this to happen, administration, teachers, students, and parents must get on board. Schools need to provide training for us teachers, so that we will be able to properly incorporate this device into our classroom. I do not think BYOT is an option in my school setting. Most of the students have free and reduced lunch. I often have to supply paper and pencils to many of my students who lack the required school supplies. I believe teachers would need to collaborate with one another to discuss what has been successful with using the Ipad. If my students had the Ipads, I would like to locate apps that could be used along with each lesson to reinforce the information being taught. Students could also use these programs at home to practice the concepts learned in class.

Permalink Reply by Elena Guyer on February 14, 2013 at 5:13pm

It has got to be extremely frustrating to know that the expectation is to bring technology into the classroom, when you can't even get basic necessities like paper and ink cartridges! While basic concepts of math and reading can be taught "the old fashioned" way, we know for a fact that in order for our students to be competitive in the future, they MUST have access to technology. I agree that BYOT is an unrealistic expectation in many of our school districts. The answer will have to be having the school provide the technology if they want students to have access.

Permalink Reply by Erin Bailey on February 16, 2013 at 6:18am

I agree that this program would be great to implement in elementary schools, however most districts do not have the funding to do so. My school encourages technology in the classroom, however does not provide the funds to

Permalink Reply by Brittany Tracy on February 12, 2013 at 8:42am

I hope that one day my school will welcome a one-to-one program. As with every other school in the nation, my school is severely lacking in funds. Because of the ecomonic challenges, we cannot provide the kinds of technology that will nuture the technological skills necessary to be successful in the work place. I think that being a blend of both elementary and middle school students, the device that would fit us best would be an iPad. There are so many options and ways to engage students in meaning lessons through the use of these devices. I do not believe that BYOT is an option for my school. With over 50% poverty level and parents and students obtaining governmet assisstance I think that would be an unlikely expectation. I think that the majority of teachers would be onboard with using iPads. I fear that the more veteran teachers would be more hestitant to change their teaching styles to fit the technology age. I think any type of change for most people is scary. With the proper training and professional development, I think that more teachers would welcome the new technology. If my students had access to iPads I would use them in a variety of ways. I would have students create kidblogs, access various Web 2.0 technologies, create assignments that require the research, development, and collaboration through the use of this device. I think that if I were given such technologies students would want to participate and learn daily.