One-to-one: Student-led, student-centered

One-to-one initiatives aren’t likely to succeed unless they are supported in multiple ways

Surprise, surprise! Decisions imposed on people suddenly, with no time to get used to the idea or prepare for the consequences, are generally resisted. It’s always easier to say No than to say Yes. Leaders should avoid the temptation to craft changes in secret and then announce them all at once. It’s better to plant seeds–that is, to sprinkle hints of what might be coming and seek input. (Kanter, 2012)

As we explored the implementation of one-to-one student devices, we thought thoroughly through the change process. This would, in fact, prove to be one of the largest shifts our district has ever made. Involving as many stakeholders as possible in this process allows for deep engagement, empowerment, and ultimately ownership of the decisions being made. For students and teachers this involvement will lead to deep learning in an authentic environment with real-world and timely problems to be solved.

Involving stakeholders

From planning and preparation to deployment and troubleshooting, our students were involved every step of the way. We had two decisions to make; a new platform, and choosing our first student device.

(Next page: How the one-to-one initiative was student-centered)