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For kids to be given a fair shake in a modern economy, they are going to have to be computer literate,” Fowles adds. “Kids who aren’t will be at a terrible disadvantage, especially America’s poor children. And for many of them, school is the only place they’ll have the chance to learn it.”

When most of us consider education, we think of learning happening in isolated places — schools. But mobile devices are upending that assumption. With innovations like augmented reality, different kinds of information and experiences can be superimposed onto the real world, complementing and adding another dimension to “formal” learning institutions.

There is a dark side of the digital divide without broadband. Everyone assumes that people can access high powered sites. The FCC is busy working to create broadband for all but the realization of this will probably be a long time in coming. The sad part of this is the lack of classroom access in some parts of the US. We are told the new E-rate will help to solve this, but it is a BIG problem. Sometimes the people who need access most are out of sight , out of mind.

If Bennett’s assertion is true, that what matters are “the relationships, the discussions, and the experiences,” then the flipped classroom provides an effective use of classroom time to build relationships, engage in serious discussions, and provide meaningful experiences for all learners. And let’s not forget one more advantage. The flipped classroom allows more time for student interaction with the teacher. The disadvantage comes when a student does not have access to the technology — an iPad or the Internet to watch instructional apps or videos.  But we predict the flipped classroom will prove its effectiveness with better test scores and enthusiastic learners.  Then schools will be compelled to find ways to give all kids this advantage.

When the primary motive in such a huge undertaking like 1:1  is to change the outdated, one-way instructional methodology that still dominates so many of our classrooms, we need to focus on the large number of possibilities that can and will happen.

stop waiting for the district, and start taking your own steps to make the change in your classroom on your own.