This aligns well with our discussions around creating MakerSpaces and Fab Labs. Would love to discuss how it relates to learning commons efforts as well.
If the 20th century model was to measure the accuracy and ownership of information, the 21st century’s model is form and interdependence. The close thinking needed to grasp this is not beyond the reach of a typical middle school student, but it may be beyond their thinking habits.
I don't think we'd have anyone who'd say "never use the device" but I do think we have work to do in order to expand some departments' vision for how laptops can be used.
Based on our experience, changing pedagogy begins with implementing a learning management system (LMS). There are several LMS options, including Moodle and Blackboard.