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Here are five lessons I've learned about redefining classroom instruction with technology

Have you ever wondered what it really means to transform your district, school, or classroom to a 1:1 environment? It is a term we hear a lot about, but not all can see it or experience it. With the takeoff of the iPad and its successor, the iPad 2, the education world is abuzz with the idea of moving towards a 1:1 environment. But is it practical? For some, it is a dream, a wish; for others, it is slowly becoming a reality. So what does a 1:1 environment look like? How will the students and teachers react? Is it the right direction to go?

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" For the past three years, Digital Wish has been studying the process of implementing one-computer-per-child programs in 28 schools. Digital Wish is an educational non-profit on a mission to bring technology to American classrooms in order to prepare students to thrive in the global economy. The team just completed a $1.125M Federal ARRA stimulus grant, delivering computers, weekly educator trainings, a complete IT curriculum, and support to the 28 schools.  Their trainers modeled the entire process of technology adoption and progressively reduced the initiative planning time from 18 months to just 6 weeks, saving schools tremendous amounts of time and money. Both teachers and students are reporting a wide range of gains including increased engagement in learning, technological proficiency, and dramatic improvements in the understanding of internet safety issues.  The 2011-2012 data report is attached. "

Schools all across the country are flocking to the concept of 1:1 learning, which is the concept of one laptop for every student and teacher in the school. While the benefits and success stories of a 1:1 learning initiative have been well published, there has been little information published about the implementation strategies used by technical coordinators in these initiatives. However, there are several key areas for a successful implementation of a 1:1 learning initiative, including having a solid network infrastructure, properly configuring and managing the laptops, tracking laptop inventory, and having an excellent laptop Help Desk.

Though the iPad debacle at Los Angeles schools might have slowed-down the expansion of one-to-one computer programs, more and more schools are adopting the practice. Today, and later this week in Part Two, experienced educators will share their advice on how to successfully implement such a program. I'm also eager to publish ideas from readers, and hope to receive many of them.

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"Professional Development is the most vital element and the key to success of any 1:1 program. Learning and teaching practices don't automatically change because computers arrive in a classroom, or students are equipped with them. Most teachers and administrators have not learned in a 1:1 environment, and have little to fall back on with regard to strategies and activities to use in their classrooms or, the necessary support for continuous reflection upon and incorporation of effective changes in instructional practice. "