Laptop 1:1 Programs: How Educators are Plugging In

Let's face it. Technology has become a fixture in education and it isn't going anywhere. Instead, educators are finding ways to incorporate it in the classroom to support diversity and facilitate better learning.

In the early 2000s, when technology, like computers and eventually the smart phone, was steadily becoming commonplace in the classroom, educators and students alike were in awe. It was a novel idea and a great way to learn.

As someone who grew up in this age of transition, it is easy to remember what went well and what was a little rocky. Homework and projects slowly moved to being completely online. At that point, students were often asked to get online at home (with the help of a parent) and print a few things out. However, not all students had access to this education.

Educators have become privy to this information and are starting to use technology not as a barrier but as a bridge to supporting diversity in the classroom.

Putting the technology in the student's backpack

When educators realized that not all students had equal access to technology, laptops and iPads were rolled out in school districts so parents did not have to be the ones providing the expensive resource. School districts like the Ithaca City School District pioneered laptop 1:1 programs or teamed up with Apple or other providers to support their students.

With the Apple ConnectED program, all students in participating districts received iPads and every teacher was gifted an Apple TV for their classroom.

Education Week published a study in 2016 that found laptop 1:1 programs had a positive impact on student test scores. Yet, the study cautioned not to rely solely on similar programs to mitigate barriers relating to diversity in the classroom and for an added boost to student performance.

According to the study, there were mixed findings as to whether or not laptop programs increased equity between schools and students. Schools should not look to technology as a saving grace for their program. Instead, it should be viewed as an added tool.

To fully promote diversity and equity in the classroom, schools need to also look at their curriculum, how they teach and how they choose to use the technology they are incorporating.