One-to-One project at Niagara-Wheatfield CSD
Should I Be Thinking About Moving to a One to One Model?
Without thinking about it consciously many of us change the emphasis of this question to make it a financial one. "Can I afford to go to a One to One model?" The answer is generally, "No, I can barely afford the technology I have today!" When we think like this we believe we are being 'realists'; but looking at educational technology this way shuts down many possibilities before we've fully explored them.
I like the approach that Bernajean Porter espouses:
"Reality is too confining. If we are going to transform education, we need to let go of "reality". If it is worth doing, then let's do it. We should say "Yes!" first, then deal with questions of "How?" afterReality is too confining. If we are going to transform education, we need to let go of "reality". If it is worth doing, then let's do it. We should say "Yes!" first, then deal with questions of "How?" after.
If we keep deploying technology in the same ways we have for years, it seems to me, we are bound to continue getting the same results. It's time for a new approach. One that puts technology in the hands of teachers and students so that they can move beyond the 'many watching one' and 'shared pencil' approach that has dominated our classroom-based technology paradigms for decades.
How can we move to One to One financially? technically? pedagogically? There are lot's of strategies for you to explore. There is no One Perfect Way to travel this path. In just the last two years the emergence of Netbooks, Thin Clients, Smartphones, new wireless standards, Cloud Computing, virtualization, and many other technologies have made One to One more accessible to the average school district than at any other time in our history.
Others have found the answers to their questions and have created dynamic new One to One environments for learning. You can, too.
It all starts with "Yes!"
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One to One Philosophy
The promise of creating a "One to One", ubiquitous computing environment is that it can lead to higher levels of student engagement, student empowerment, and more depth of learning. The key to success of "One to One" initiatives is to resist the urge to treat them as hardware initiatives; and instead, focus on them as opportunities to transform classroom pedagogy.
We believe that by providing every student and teacher with access to powerful technology tools at school and at home; we can transform our classrooms and expand learning opportunities so that they take place anytime, anywhere.
In 1:1 environments students carry powerful, mobile computers that give them access to a treasure trove of information, tools, and resources that will allow them to engage learning in new ways. Teachers are able to differentiate instruction and develop lessons that are engaging and relevant. Students spend more time exploring, discovering, communicating, and creating; and less time in traditional ‘chalk and talk’ environments.
Ubiquitous access allows students to learn within classrooms and from home. Students collaborate with learners in their school and throughout the world.
Opportunities for independent, and project-based learning tap into the many learning styles of our students.
Innovative professional development that models the behaviors and teaching styles we would like to encourage in our classrooms are central to the success of "One to One" initiatives.
In addition, success depends on adopting the best educational software, resources, and tools insure that the program provides a sound foundation for learning.
The last critical factor for success in a "One to One" project is leadership development. Developing leaders at all levels (including students) will create a culture of continuous improvement, insure that educational change is systemic, provide a platform for discussion and support, and insures that we all “walk our own talk".
Student support ready to role!