This Is For Everyone
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 1:1 program built on flexibility and personalization isn't reserved for students. The 1:1 program should include everyone using technology in the district. Teachers, administrators, and staff are all part of it. A program and platform that works for everyone has a greater chance of success.
The same technology resources students have, are the resources teachers have, are the resources administrators have, are the resources staff have, and so on. Or, reverse the logic, what the adults get, the kids get as well.
The response often heard when proposing an idea like this is, “Our staff could never do their job with the same device we give out students.” Then you need to upgrade your students’ devices. Students deserve the same resources as everyone else in the district.
Students can't be given assignments and work from teachers using more powerful machines. How can the teachers even know if the students are capable of completing the work?
Do not single out the students. It doesn't make any sense in a school district. Students should not receive inferior, compromised, or unsupported technology simply because, it's the "student device."
Implementing a district wide 1:1 program has great benefits for the entire district. It reduces the management strain on the IT Department. No need to treat students and staff different when it comes to technology hardware. The systems and processes for staff is the same as with students. Simple workflow.
It solves refresh problems. Teachers will be on the same 4 or 5 year refresh cycle as students. It makes budgeting and planning for the future much easier.
Additionally it makes the refresh cycle individualized. With the amount of turn over and moving done during a school year, it's difficult to stay on top of changes. The computer that used to be in room 104 is now in room 205. Was that one 3 years old or 5 years old? We bought it for Mr. Smith, but now Ms. Jane has it. Simplify the inventory by tracking a device handed to the individual, not the room.
And since the district is using a CYOD program, teachers and staff still get a choice of which device fits them best.
Create a level technology playing field for the entire district, not just the students.