Research supports benefits of 1-1 student device ownership
One-to-one initiatives in schools - in which every student in the class is supplied with a laptop - have had “small but noteworthy” improvements in English, writing, science and maths, according to research carried out by Michigan State University. When combined with “21st Century” skills, one-to-one programs allow educators to personalise their teaching, while students who used the machines for more than simple note-taking had the best results. The study also found that ensuring programs had solid IT support and that teachers undertook “ongoing professional development” would contribute to their success.

Dive Brief:

In order to maintain a successful 1:1 tech rollout, district administrators need to make sure that devices are supported over time by a strong IT team that can troubleshoot and engage both teachers and students, taking the time to identify potential hang-ups and hurdles in advance.

It's also important to break down silos between departments to ensure schoolwide communication and to evade basic problems, eSchool News reports.

Another good preventative tip is to encourage teachers to take part in ongoing professional development that will keep tech initiatives moving forward.

Dive Insight:

When making a decision on new tech, it can be advantageous for school leaders to evaluate devices and the potential of new programs with a cost-benefit mindset. A number of factors should be considered before taking leaps into the digital space. Fiona Hollands, associate director of the Center for Benefit-Cost Studies of Education at Columbia University's Teachers College says such assessments should be practical and pragmatic. Two questions Holland recommends districts ask themselves are:

Is there any evidence that the product/device can help achieve the district's stated goal(s), and if so, what is the necessary "dosage" and mode of use?

What are the costs of the product/device for the quantity needed by the district?

It's also important to go slow and encourage patience with new tech rollouts. In North Carolina, three diverse districts previously shared their experiences with Education Dive regarding rollouts, including benefits, challenges and advice for districts launching new initiatives.