One to One Initiative

I am writing my review for the One to One Initiative a bit late due to an overly busy schedule the past two weeks. I actually watched this DVD more than a year ago and need to watch it again so I will be editing this review to add more detail. Our school began the One to One Initiative last year though I believe we actually got the grant monies this year along with additional laptops. I viewed the Healy DVD with my electronic portfolio class and shared it with several colleagues last year. We were thrown into the program by a former superintendent. Finalizing the decision to go ahead with the program and purchasing the laptops was his departing action. The problems that we encountered upon returning to school last year were many. The first thing we happen a laptop was assigned to each teacher and staff member. The problem here was the change in platform most of us and the school used the Windows platform before this. On top of that we also had a new grading program to learn. Once teachers and staff were comfortable with the laptops and grading program we moved on to conquering the laptop handbook. Many interesting discussions developed from this, such as what to filter, are music downloads allowed and others. Once we had the handbook done then came time to give the students the computers. It was decided that in the beginning laptops would remain in the student’s first hour class and only be taken out for the day to be returned to the classroom at the end of the day. Then the much anticipated time arrived about two months later, after Christmas break, when students were allowed to take the computers home. We chose to release computers this way to ensure that before students took laptops home they had proven they were responsible in following the handbook rules. Of course there was paperwork for students and parents stating responsibility of the laptops. The biggest problems we encountered before sending laptops home were students erasing internet history and music downloads. All and all I think it has been great for our students to have laptops. I still have to learn how to use Apple Remote Desktop so I can keep an eye on my students when they are working on their laptops. Something that probably needs training, but like Healy we didn’t get a lot of training. We have had an Apple trainer come out this year and he will be back in October so we are getting some training. The only real problem I have had with students is some instant messaging during class time and ARD should take care of that. I have students use their laptops for online activities, publishing, data collection, and writing. Students have been able to turn in assignments electronically, but they still have many paper assignments to turn in as well. When I review the DVD again I will add more to my reflection.