May
9
Written by:
Dan Maas
5/9/2007
In a recent New York Times article, a number of schools are highlighted for phasing out 1:1 laptop initiatives...
A recent NYTimes article reports on a number of schools that have decided to step back from their 1:1 laptop initiatives. Reasons cited include:
- Limited or no impact on test scores
- Increased demand for support
- Unanticipated cost for repair and replacement
- Perceived decline in critical thinking and quality of student work
I noted that students slated to lose their laptops were not queried in this article. I wonder how they feel about being disconnected? For my part, using a networked computer for knowledge work is as much of a no-brainer as textbooks. In my view, our job is to prepare students to thrive in the 21st Century. The working and social environment of the 21st Century is technology and information-rich. There are new skills needed to succeed and most of our pre-21st Century skills are needed as well. Certainly, technology is not the solution; quality educators are. But to think that a modern education is possible without modern tools in the hands of the teachers and learners makes little sense to me.
I see this as a lesson about good goal setting and proper total cost of ownership planning. If the goal is to raise test scores on a paper and pencil test, then 1:1 probably does not make sense. If the idea is that we buy a bunch of computers that will never break and will last forever, then the idea is a dream. Those ideas smack of "silver bullet" attempts. But if the idea is to make school resemble real life where students can safely learn to succeed and produce authentic work, then a prevalent and rich presence of 21st Century technologies are a must.
What do you think?
P.S. Having lunch after posting this blog entry, I read a commentary in Education Week addressing this precise issue.
5 comment(s) so far...
Re: Some schools phasing laptops out
There are also many school districts that have had tremendous success with 1:1 programs. A lot of it is planning, a huge piece is staff development, and another piece is goals and expectations - what are we hoping to accomplish with such a program? I agree, if the sole measure is a rise in test scores, we'll be disappointed - I believe I waxed eloquently about that somewhere else :-).
I recently received an email (via The Fischbowl/Did You Know) from an AHS grad that is now working as a tech integrator in Henrico County, Virginia, and he is very positive about what they've accomplished with their 1:1 program. He's offered to answer any questions we have, and I also imagine we could work out a site visit if that type of thing is in your plans should we move forward with this idea.
By Karl Fisch on
5/10/2007
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Re: Some schools phasing laptops out
1:1 initiatives will be a "success" in LPS! I know this because you will make it so by providing a common vision and goal for all those involved.
What defines "success"? Stakeholders want to see measureable results, but there's no test that exists today that can measure "preparedness to thrive in the 21st Century". Yet, preparedeness may be the most important skill we teach our kids and the hardest to measure.
In tomorrow's world being good at CORE subjects is not enough. One needs a savvy ability to network and connect with people using the technology of the day. Thirty years ago that was writing memos, letters and communicating by telephone. Today it's using computers to IM, blog and share ideas. Our kids use cell phones, flickr and social networking to connect with peers.
In addition to the 3 R's, our students must explore and master these emerging web2.0 tools if they are to "succeed" in their adult lives. K-12 is a time for our kids to safely explore and master the tools they will use later in life. With our trained and caring staff we can provide the structure and direction to help make our kids a "success"!
By Mason Gregg on
5/10/2007
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Re: Some schools phasing laptops out
I cannot begin to think of learning without my laptop at my side - that and a connection to the internet. It would be interesting to ask LPS kids who have access to laptops what they would think about giving them up.
By Renee Howell on
5/12/2007
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Re: Some schools phasing laptops out
It is interesting to note that as I read this blog my daughter just woke up had some breakfast pullout her laptop and proceeded to log on to the information highway. It's Saturday morning and I asked her "Hey are you reading there or just playing games?" She replied with a wry smile "I'm learning how to use a computer!". She's nine years old.
By Reno on
7/8/2007
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Re: Some schools phasing laptops out
I too hav learning computers
By Raghavendra on
3/11/2009
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