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Session 5: 1 to 1 Initiatives

The 1 to 1 computing initiative is a strategy implemented in school systems, which allows student to have a laptop or notebook available for 24/7 access.  The students are assigned a laptop or notebook for use at home and school.  The primary goal, stated by Apple, for these initiatives is to ?improve academic achievement by the use of technology.?  However, an ethical goal of this initiative involves increasing ?equity of access.?  Some states have even adopted the computing initiative as a means for competing with other states, in a race to give their students savvy for the technology working world.  Overall, each of the various 1 to 1 initiatives agrees that it will allow instruction time to be more student-centered.

In 2001, the research evidence showed little effectiveness on instruction outcomes based on 1 to 1 initiatives.  However, the current research done under Apple Computer analyzes prior studies and clarifies gaps in the knowledge concerning the initiatives.  The main objectives of the present studies include: the effects of 1 to 1 computing initiatives on students, how students use laptops and wireless connectivity, and what teaching looks like in 1 to 1 classrooms.  Though the definitive evidence supporting the strengths of 1 to 1 initiatives is weak, Apple states that there is significant evidence suggesting that particular program designs and factors affecting teacher attitudes and beliefs, influence a program?s implementation and success.  This means that teachers who are confident in their students and implement certain program designs (within the 1 to 1 initiative) for challenging their students, will better promote their students? ability to use laptops and notebooks in research, science projects, problem solving assignments, etc.  As mentioned before, the primary goal of the initiative is to make learning student-centered.  The iNtegrating Technology for inQuiry (NTeQ) model is a program that mirrors a student-centered 1 to 1 initiative.  It allows teachers to: challenge students with real world problems and resources, promote collaboration among students, and provoke problem solving using computer tools.  The model requires that teachers have a10 day training and an end-of-year follow up.  Studies of this model have shown that teachers prefer technology over non-technology learning environments for building students? strategy and critical thinking skills.  Though it seems these designs would be simply presented, it is rigorous to test the affects of 1 to 1 initiatives, therefore it is difficult to argue that laptops and notebooks for students is a cost effective implementation in school systems.

I would defend the implementation of a 1 to 1 initiative in the school system in which I teach.  I believe my biggest motive for incorporating the design would be the student focused learning approach.  Not only would this allow students to build on their classroom knowledge, but it would encourage student creativity outside the classroom.  I do not think the cost benefit for this design would be readily accepted where I work.  However, I think that applying the design to a group of random students and evaluating their end of year test results and achievements, would solidify the need to invest and implement this type of program.

Posted at 07:10PM Nov 28, 2006 by dwdixon in General  |  Comments[0]