EDIM516 Week 4 - One-to-One Computer

Instructional Technology – One-to-One Computers

When I think about this assignment One-to-One computers for all students in the district, I see more obstacles than answers.  First I thought why not go with BYOD.  Most students have a laptop or tablet that they can bring in to school for class assignments.  Students would be responsible for their own device and the district would save a lot of money.  Next, I considered tablets for students because they are easier to handle and less expensive than a laptop.  Tablets though are in the beginning stages of full access to commonly used computer software such as MS Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel.  I don’t know that our district administrators, teachers, students and IT departments have the patience for the new tablets bugs and fixes.  The technology that I propose is a MacBook Pro for each student, similar to the Lower Merion School districts One-to-One initiative.    I also selected the MacBook Pro because the laptop is proven as a stable device and easy to use.  The Macbook Pro is also an industry standard in business and the work-world.

Why technology is important in education:

One-to-One Computer Proposal:

Device – Macbook Pro (13" screen) for all high school students (Grade 10-12)

Rationale – High school students will be able to seamlessly transition from school to home using the school issued laptop computer.  Students will be issued a state-of-the-art computer with standardized computer applications and Internet access for all high school students.  The goal is to promote and cultivate collaboration and teamwork for students and teachers through digital communication.

Target group –

• ·      High school students (Grades 10 -12)
• ·      All three high schools – approx. (600) in each school
• ·      Student body background – use of technology in elementary & middle school through classroom carts & computer labs (Macbook Pro)
• ·      Central Bucks School district – Upper/middle class (socio-economics) most students have access to personal laptop computers & mobile devices

Implementation Plan & Professional development –

• ·      Students will be introduced to the district technology devices and computer applications in elementary & middle school classes. (Macbook Pro)
• ·      Students must take a digital citizenship course in 9^th grade before they are issued a district computer in high school.  (similar to Lower Merion School District)
• ·      Parents must complete a 2-hour district Macbook Pro instructional seminar before students are issued the laptop. (similar to Lower Merion School District)
• ·      Increased IT staff will be hired to support the implementation plan
• ·      Teachers will attend a 4-hour professional development seminar that reviews the implementation plan and technology goals. (as referenced in the One-to-One worth the investment article)
• ·      Teachers will attend a 2-hour planning and collaboration seminar each year.

Expected Outcome

• ·      All high school students will have access to digital technology that promotes creatively and innovation in the classroom. (as referenced on the Apple - Stand out Schools website)
• ·      The district will promote positive digital citizenship for their students through training and district tools on the laptop computers. 
• ·      Students will be prepared for a dynamic technological world as a result of the advanced technology that is integrated into every classroom. (as referenced on the Apple - Stand out Schools article)

Possible Problems -

• ·      Insufficient use of the laptop computers – teachers do not integrate into most lessons.
• ·      Laptop computers too expensive – the computers brake or do not work well
• ·      Training insufficient – teachers, parents, students do not understand how to efficiently and effectively integrate the laptops into everyday learning (as referenced in the One-to-One Worth the Investment article)
• ·      Inappropriate use – students download software and inappropriate materials on the laptop.

Resources:

"Are One-to-One Laptops Programs Worth the Investment?”, District Administration Magazine, Article. Feb 2009. http://www.districtadministration.com/article/are-one-one-laptop-programs-worth-investment.

“Apple – Education Seminars & Events – Standout Schools” 2012 Available online at

http://edseminars.apple.com/standout-schools/.

“The Lower Merion School District” Available online at

http://www.lmsd.org/about-lmsd/index.aspx.