One-to-One: When they need proof...

The importance of technology in school is rising. It is most vital in the upper grades. These websites allow us to discover how to implement one-to-one initiatives in our schools by offering proof of effectiveness. They provide us with specific examples of success in schools, teacher support for technology in the classroom, and show us specific high-need subjects that are supported by technology in the classroom. I like that the research is available. I feel that some school patrons and community members are more likely to take the opinion of an outsider as an “expert” opinion rather than those working in their own district. In any case, it’s best to have someone corroborating your own findings—that one-to-one initiative can be successful, that technology is a necessary tool in the classroom. Some websites provide many examples of one-to-one ititatives across the country. I do think this is beneficial to selling the idea in your district. THe more that people see that this is common and helpful the more they will be willing to buy into the idea itself. I especially enjoyed this quote from the CASTLE site: "A report on one-to-one computing in the state of Indiana revealed that 100% of educators interviewed shared either observational or anecdotal evidence about the success of one-to-one (Lemke & Martin, 2004b)." I thought the connections to science and math on the National Science Foundation website were excellent. These are considered very important subjects—and very hard to find teachers for. I think that when people see how necessary technology is to math and science they will count this as another point for technology in their schools. Finally, the Department of Education is wise to publish information on the last twenty years of technology in schools. I think that this will force people to reflect on their own school experiences. Hopefully this will encourage them to see where technology has been and where it’s going. They will acknowledge the years of growth and remind them that this is not a “new” thing.