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Steps for a 1:1 Laptop Program
By Barbara Bray    August 24, 2010 -- 04:01 PM

When the school moves to computers for each teacher and student, the learning environment not only changes, teaching practice changes. We ask a lot of our teachers: To not only teach the concepts, assess understanding, manage the classroom, differentiate instruction, but they also have to learn technology while they use and infuse it in their daily activities. What happens when you completely immerse the school into a technology rich environment is there is systemic change and resistance. The power of all of this is a strong leader who involves all stakeholders in the visioning and planning process. From the One to One Computing Blueprint, the suggested steps include:
  1. Determine the program’s objectives before planning proceeds.
  2. Involve all program stakeholders in the planning process.
  3. Include criteria for evaluating the program’s success in alignment with the program’s objectives.
  4. Assign an effective leader, with appropriate decision-making authority, to manage the implementation.

The article talks about how effective leaders are ones who balance top-down and bottom-up approaches to planning and implementation. It is important to have these visionaries on board and to bring in outside experts who back up the leader with the same language so the stakeholders buy-in to a collective vision.

Implementation steps include:
  1. Identify stakeholders from the entire school community.
  2. Build a a task force and on-site committee who will lead the change.
  3. Facilitate teacher buy-in by encouraging input and voice in the decision-making process.
  4. Create a sustainable strategic plan over several years.
    1. Research existing programs and successful projects.
    2. Create a shared vision for five years from today.
    3. Identify where you are today.
    4. Do a gap analysis of technology including infrastructure, people, student achievement, teaching practice.
    5. Seek partnerships and expertise from your parent and vendor community and estimate costs for projects.
    6. Develop metrics, funding, policies including security and acceptable use.
  5. Develop a professional development program that is job-embedded and focuses on collaboration and gaps in student learning.
  6. Get the buzz out about what you are doing using all the tools available. Have regular meetings and talk and write about progress.
  7. Remember that change takes time so start small maybe with a pilot or small project. Be clear on expectations for teachers and students.
For more details about 1:1 refer to this article and AALF (Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation. Image of student with laptop from http://murcha.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/preparing-for-11-learning-environment-a-pedagogical-view/

Categories: "Laptop" "Laptops" "1:1" "Gap Analysis" "Learning" "Implementation" "Vision" "Planning" "Leadership"



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