5 Steps for Starting a 1:1 Program

Tech is becoming a bigger and bigger part of contemporary education. The concept of a 1:1 program is founded around the idea of each learner in a classroom receiving a device that is preloaded with work and textbooks. This makes a more personalized teaching approach that is better suited to the individual needs of each learner. 

We will be examining 5 steps that are essential when implementing a 1:1 program. 

Choose Suitable Software

There are plenty of choices for you regarding software that can be used in the classroom. For instance, most educators stick to big businesses such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple. This all depends on your wants and needs and what you have more experience working with. 

Select a Device

There are plenty of devices that you can select from when it comes to the 1:1 program. If you have a larger budget, you could give your learners iMacs or iPads. However, most schools prefer more budget-friendly options, such as laptops or more affordable tablet brands. 

It would be helpful if you always kept in mind how many learners there are in your class. If there are quite a lot of learners, you will have to spend a lot more money on these devices than if there were only a few. You should set yourself a budget before you purchase devices. 

User and Device Management

Once you have chosen which operating system and device you will utilize, you need to figure out where you will store the apps when they are not in use. You will need to consider hardware and software maintenance and develop a user policy. Download the user policy of your school and set up the user accounts. 

Ensure System Security

Your devices need to be protected to prevent theft or malware from being downloaded onto them. The initial priority should be downloading antivirus software, such as Norton or Bitdefender. Ensure that you store the devices carefully when they are not being used to prevent them from being stolen. 

PD for Educators and Staff

Finally, educators and staff members must be taught how to use and operate these devices. Educators may not know how to use new tech; for this reason, PD (Personal Development) must be offered to them to bring their knowledge up to par. This will also make classes efficient as educators will not need to figure out how to operate the tech during class time.  

Most educators turn to apps such as Pedagogue to form class discussions and hold video conference calls with learners. It can also be used to talk to other educators about tools, advice, tips and hacks they have. 

Conclusion

The idea of a 1:1 program revolves around the concept of each learner in a classroom receiving a device that is preloaded with work and textbooks. There are 5 steps that you should follow to execute this program effectively. 

To begin, you need to select suitable software for the devices. You then need to choose which devices you will use and decide on the user and device management. An efficient security system needs to be put in place to prevent theft. Lastly, educators and staff need to be trained on how to use the devices and software.