Forward, Not Lateral
This post is part of an ongoing series of chapters from the book CHOICE. Please view this post for an introduction and table of contents. To keep up with each new chapter published, please subscribe.
A Step Forward, Not A Replacement
A 1:1 program is a significant investment for a school district. It’s not just a financial investment it’s a cultural investment. It’s a complete change to how things are done. A 1:1 program allows for a change in how learning is done in your district.
If you are scanning in old paper worksheets, making them to a PDF, and sending them to your students to fill out on their device. You have replaces a $0.25 paper and pen assignment with a $500 digital paper and pen assignment. Don’t put an expensive digital paint job on the old ways of teaching. It’s a waste.
Don’t be 1:1, but continue to print everything out. Don’t be 1:1 and continue to have a teacher centered learning experience.
1:1 computing allows you to break away from traditional centered learning. You can build a 1 on 1 learning environment. The technology allows teachers to form a connection with students individually and on their terms. Use technology as a step forward, not a replacement.
Think, and ask yourself;
How can I make this less more interactive?
How can I make this lesson digital first?
If you had to teach this lesson for the first time today, with the tools you have now, would it look the same?
Author Comments
Providing a peak behind the curtain of the thought and writing process.
I’ve worked with several districts to implement a 1:1 program. Every single time there is a group of people that want to print their old word document lessons. Scan them as a PDF. Email them to students. And have the students try to “write” on the PDF with their 1:1 device.
Please don’t be the teacher that wants to use the 1:1 program as a way to just hand out the same worksheets that have always been used through email instead of paper.
If you are a teacher, or work with students, what tools do you use to make your lessons interactive and digital first?