1-to-1 Learning

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Read the Smart Classrooms Byte: 21 Steps to 21st Century 1-to-1 Success to find out about the four phases and 21 steps to successfully plan 1-to-1 programs.

Learn more about 1-to-1 learning by attending a 1-to-1 Learning: Leading the Way Practicum, held in various locations throughout the state.

Overview

1-to-1 programs are also known as 'anywhere, any time' or 'laptops for students' programs.

These programs provide students with personal portable computers to enhance opportunities for learning. The devices help schools engage the digital generation by nurturing individual (or 1-to-1) learning experiences.

Preparation the key to success

There are many steps schools need to take before launching 1-to-1 programs. Most of these steps involve detailed planning and preparation.

While primary and high schools need to understand the importance of planning to the success of 1-to-1 programs, high schools in particular must know. Doing so will help them prepare for the rollout of the Australian Government’s Digital Education Revolution.

Benefits of 1-to-1 programs

1-to-1 programs are an element in an international move towards individualising learning, which can increase independence and self-initiated learning in students, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Students who have their own laptop computers have been found to take greater pride and ownership over the knowledge they create, with a flow-on to more flexible forms of schooling.

1-to-1 programs can extend formal learning communities to include parents, siblings and other people important in students' lives. Also, the programs may lead to initiating global communication and collaboration and develop creative expression.

Successfully implementing 1-to-1 programs

Successfully implementing a 1-to-1 program in any state school relies on an equal focus on:

• a strongly supported vision and culture across the whole school community
• effective technical infrastructure and support
• development of constructivist, student-centred pedagogies
• structured professional development for staff.

The Department has developed four phases and 21 steps to the successful implementation of 1-to-1 programs.

These phases and steps are outlined in the Smart Classrooms Byte: 21 Steps to 21st Century 1-to-1 Success.

1-to-1 Learning: Leading the Way Practicums

• What should a 21st Century Classroom look like?
• What is the critical role of a principal in a 1-to-1 program?
• How do you build a shared vision to ensure success?
• What can a 1-to-1 program bring to your school?
• What are the challenges of leading technology rich learning?

If your school is considering a 1-to-1 program, then building the vision for and understanding what is involved in leading a technology-rich learning environment is a priority for your school.

These two-day practicums, led by Sean Tierney with Bruce Dixon, will enhance the knowledge of lead principals and ICT educational leaders to build a shared vision for their school in 1-to-1 learning. They can challenge leaders to create an essential blueprint for 1-to-1 learning in their school or district.

Secondary schools will be provided the latest information and advice relating to the Australian Government National Secondary Schools Computer Fund.

Logan students ready for 1-to-1 learning

Crestmead State School's Madison Ward is keen to utilise her new laptop.

At the start of the year, students at Crestmead State School watched with envy how their colleagues in other schools were plugging into the digital world to learn.

Now, they are the ones to boast.

An entire class of 28 Year 5 students has just received laptop computers, marking the start of the school's own 1-to-1 program rollout.

Funded by a Community Renewal Grant from the Department of Housing, the Crestmead program coincides with others at neighbouring Marsden and Burrowes State Schools.

Crestmead principal Kay Louwrens was attracted to the idea of establishing the program because she believes it can help students embrace 21st century ways of learning.

'There's no denying that the world is digital, but many of our students don't have ready access to computers,' Mrs Louwrens said.

'Now, a group of them do – and if things work out, more of our students will soon.'

Establishing a 1-to-1 program is complex and demanding.

Deputy-principal Gwenda Terrill found a Smart Classrooms workshop on establishing 1-1 laptop programs a great help.

'Any school that is thinking about launching a 1-to-1 program should definitely consider attending the workshop.'

The school is taking a staged approached to rolling out laptops to its students.

This will ensure it has the infrastructure in place to support students and, more importantly, the time to plan engaging 21st century learning experiences and teaching approaches with its teachers.

The teacher fronting Crestmead's 1-to-1 program is Jean Murdoch.

Mrs Murdoch, who holds an ICT Pedagogical Licence, plans to start small, introducing her students - who applied to join the program - to eLearning concepts one by one.

'We began our eLearning journey well before we received the laptops by learning about important issues such as internet safety, using our school's computer lab,' Mrs Murdoch said.

'Having the laptops helps us personalise learning in ways that are not possible in a traditional classroom.

'Each student has their own interests, so I will start different projects for each.

'We're so excited.'

One of the students involved in the program is Madison.

As soon as she opened her laptop, Madison wanted to show her schoolwork to her mother and father.

She's also keen to chat online with students in other schools in Queensland and throughout the world.

Madison's mother, Keely, believes laptops for students are the way of the future.

'This program is giving Madison a head start, an advantage that will help her in later life,' she said.

Another parent, Carmen, agrees.

'I now feel that my daughter is moving with the rest of the world,' Ms James said.

'I know she'll enjoy using her laptop so much that she's going to be teaching me things.'

Need more information?

Senior Project Officer
1-to-1 Learning
Ph: (07) 3421 6310
Fax: (07) 3421 6330