Journal Article #8 - One-to-One Tools

Bouterse, B., Corn, J.O., Halstead, E.O. (2009). Choosing the perfect tools for one-to-one. Learning & Leading with Technology, 35, Retrieved August 4, 2009, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200908/

As technology becomes more and more integrated with our daily activities more schools will strive to adopt a one-to-one policy to better students computing capabilities so they can be more proficient both inside and outside of school. This article discusses the criteria that should be considered when a school or district is considering what sort of one-to-one computing environment they would like to create. Some important questions to ask when selecting hardware and software options are:

- Will the computing device be used for single purpose (word processing or graphing) or as a multi-purpose machine ready to accept new software, content, or internet capability?
- What operating system do you have the resources to support (Windows, Linux, Mac OS)?
- Do you want to install local applications, use web applications, or both?
- Do you want to install local content (files, data, documents, presentations, and images) onto the devices hard drive, use web content, or both?
- Will you be using peripheral equipment – probes, microscopes, GPS units, digital cameras, printers or projectors?
- What can you do to protect the computing device from everyday wear and tear from the students and staff?
- What is the total cost of ownership for the technology?
- What will overall customer (student/teacher) satisfaction be with the technology that is chosen?

One-to-one computing may be costly, but it is a worthwhile investment as it is investing in the student’s ability to successfully navigate in a world that is increasingly utilizing computers.

What is the benefit of using web-based applications? By using web-based applications computer portability becomes less of an issue since documents and work can be accessed from any computer with Internet access.

Why is it important to consider more than just the cost of the device when making a one-to-one computing environment decision? Although the cost of the actual device may be less expensive than the other devices you are considering, there are other costs associated with the device that can contribute to an overall higher total cost of ownership. Other factors that should contribute to your decision making should be: the cost of support for the device and it’s software package, the cost of training personnel to become proficient in using the device, costs associated with connectivity and networking with the new devices, additional costs of software needing to be purchased because they are not included on the chosen device, replacement costs and the cost of any retrofitting that must take place.