Helpful Hints for Successful 1 to 1 Computing by Paul Wurster

Summary: School districts around the United States are using various ways to implement a computer for each student and use it as a tool for the whole school year. 1 to 1 computing is a way this can occur. 1 to 1 computing is when each student in the class is given a laptop and teachers and students use the laptop for all subjects and all day during the school to learn as an aid. This article by Paul Wurster discusses the helpful ways to implement this idea of 1 to 1 learning in a school district using school districts in Oregon as a background. He explains that various school districts introduced 1 to 1 computing gradually and with a plan. Whether it is a 5-year plan or a 2-year plan. Also adding a laptop to each student becomes expensive when considering, software, upkeep, technical problems, professional development programs, added staff and training. Ways to help with training and professional development are that some school districts have adopted a 45 minutes training before school, district-wide custom training, on-site workshop and mobile labs. A drawback to all this training is that the availability of the technology needs to be at these teacher’ hands right away. For example Apple provided the La Mar school District in Oregon with a workshop on Imovie, however there were no digital camcorders readily available for the teachers to use. Therefore the teachers lost their Imovie skills that they learned. Another major issue is to keep up with software and technical difficulties. Some instructional technologist have implemented the use of a problem map so that faculty, students and staff know where to go for that specific problem. Another idea that the Eugene and Springfield districts used was onsite tech support. It seems that 1 to 1 computing is doable and can be done. It just takes a lot of work and good knowledge and ideas learned from other schools that have been through it or are going through it.

Reflection: The idea of 1 to 1 computing seems like an ideal situation for all schools. Having to have a laptop computer for each student, for his or her own academic studies would be wonderful. It seems extremely time consuming, and having teachers who want to be involved with this type of learning would be fantastic. However I don’t feel that every school district has teachers who are all passionate and ready to change their ways of teaching. I know from my own personal experience of teaching in two different school districts, they have been complete opposite packages of teachers. One school is very into change and new ways to aid student’s engagement and the other is to concerned with teaching to the test and no need for collaboration. This idea of 1 to 1 computing supports the key elements of the Electronic Educational Village, 21st century skills and meaningful learning by having teachers think about their lessons they are giving and learning along the way with their students so that both parties are learning together. This program of 1 to 1 computing can help with; natural partnerships, collaborating, digital aged thinking and much more. I don’t feel that this program would be successful in a school district that don’t have teachers who are always willing to change and improve their teaching. I feel though this article was really helpful for those schools who were deciding that if this would be the right fit for them and if they are willing to put all this work into 1 to 1 computing.

Reference: Wurster, P. (2006-07).Helpful Hints for successful 1 to 1 computing. Learning & Leading with Technology. 34(4), 12-17.