We Don’t Need the 1:1 Laptop System
Anyways, that was me last year. Recently, my thoughts told me that my school KIS didn’t actually needed the 1:1 laptop curriculum. In other words, we are not using it in the right place. We used to have a laptop-cart system where set of 24 school-owned laptops were delivered to a class with internet connection and wireless-print set ups. Primary uses of those laptops were
- Incorporation of wikispaces in group activities and
- in-class researches.
And what do we have now with the 1:1 laptop now?
- Incorporation of wikispaces in group activities,
- In class researches,
- To conveniently record podcasts or edit videos
- To conveniently print off homework in school
- To play games and update facebook more often
- to stay online on IM 24/7
and there are thousand other ‘benefits’ we students received due to the 1:1. Only real benefit we have is the default iMovie and Garageband installation in MacbookNow let’s look at the original purpose of 1:1 adoption in KIS.
- To make the standard of school levitate “like other advanced schools like Shanghai American School”
Well, this is definitely working out because KIS is the only international school in Korea so far with 1:1 laptop system. We stand out (in the surface).
- To be connected!
This is the main point of 1:1 laptop system. How many of us are connected? Except for certain English teacher I had last year, none of my teachers are using laptop as a global collaboration for projects, etc. If we only use laptops for closed purposes, what’s the difference of having a shift from the Laptop Carts? What’s different from having a computer lab in class?
Every high school students blog. And how many of them are actually connected? From my grade, I only see Patrick. He actually makes quality podcasts with a sustainability star Bill Farren. It was very impressive and astounding to see actually a young teen making meaningful contacts with people half-circumference away.
A lot of senior bloggers in my school deserve to be recognized. They are making true connections in their AP Literature class. But it was sad to see that Seniors had to use the laptop carts for classes because the school didn’t require seniors to buy laptops. They are kinds of people who, frankly, needs 1:1 laptop in their life.
Most of us don’t connect, and most of us don’t realize the power of connection. Yet I am trying to get some people interested in by sharing their posts on twitter. Cathy, Susie, Jaimie, Keunwha, Kenny, and Jane are some people around me who managed to get attention or comments due to my linkings (and new dots in their clustrmaps =p)
We need connection. It’s still not a year since we’ve been using it; we don’t know the 6 W’s yet. At current state, laptop system in our school is not being used to its fullest potent.
“How are you helping my child become literate in the 21st century?”
I really liked that quote from the video.
Photo credit: PinkCakeBox
Video Credit: Karl Fisch
Technorati Tags: 1to1, KIS, Laptop, Post Modern, education, Technology
Filed under: 2.0, unschool, Future, Reality, Education, Blogging
Soojin,
I agree with your point regarding resources not being used to their fullest potential.
Our district has purchased some (expensive) Smartboards, which are interactive white boards. There is only minimal training and few staff members will take the time to investigate on their own.
Without continuous training and support, these tools end up being glorified chalkboards.
The world of education seems to be mistaking superficial changes, however pricey, for transformative experiences.
diane
Hey Soojin,
My school (of 10-12 grades) recently started a 1:1 program using XP tablets. As of yet the 10th graders are the only ones required to have the tablets, and nearly all the departments at our school have changed to support and help with this new program. It is true that students sometimes don’t pay attention in class, but they could also be doodling in a notebook. We try to keep the curriculum difficult enough that the students need to pay attention and, even more, want to use the laptops. It is helpful for the students to own the laptops because we are a residential academy and they can study and collaborate even outside the classroom (in breaks, after school, in lunch hour, etc.).
I do, however, agree with the idea of the 12th graders (seniors) appreciating this program more than the 10th graders. Some of the seniors are required to have a tablet for a class, so they are loaned one by the school. These students take even more of an interest and appreciation for 1:1 than the sophomores, in my opinion.
Thanks for your insight, and as always if you have any questions feel free to contact me!
–ah
@diane
Always, thanks for being one of the best commentator in my blog:) appreciate it.
I think since all this stuff is relatively new, guess we need ‘time’ and struggle and the next generation would do a better job
@april
Hello! nice to have a new commentator to my blog!
I definitely agree on your point, seems like that you thoroughly read my post:). I think I forgot that benefit you mentioned, that these laptops given to us could be used ‘anywhere.’ But I was cynical, and I decided to put that as a negative point to procrastinate. But for diligent and learned students 1:1 will be a great advantage.
thanks for the insights,
soojin
ahhhhh very insightful… yes the 1:1 thing is a bit erm… superflous, but a great way for KIS to make more cash bling bling and look fancy riiiiite? XD but other than that, truly, it has its downpoints… i barely read anymore (offline) and too much time is used on this darn thing. but thank you for mentioning me and linking me soojin! and thanks for that FRIKKEN AWESOME bush vid! it wus like…. the cats pajamas….
Soojin,
So now you have me looking at other blogposts and as my school (of which I’m the director of the f2f program) uses the 1:1 laptop initiative, I have some things to say about your post. To quote you:
“Except for certain English teacher I had last year, none of my teachers are using laptop as a global collaboration for projects, etc. If we only use laptops for closed purposes, what’s the difference of having a shift from the Laptop Carts? What’s different from having a computer lab in class?”
Ok, so I know who the certain english teacher is. Without him and his work, you’d be blogging to other Korean students and that’s about it.
So my question for you is, so what if Clay is the only teacher using the tool to its fullest at this point? He’s made an impact on you, and I’m carefully assuming you work on your laptop WELL beyond end-of-school-day, whereas the cart laptop would stay at school. So it has helped at least you, as far as I can see, which is from the middle of the US.
Likewise, how in the world will these other teachers learn to use the 1:1 laptop goodness unless they have the occasion to understand what they mean? Having a cart is a great way for a reluctant teacher to never incorporate tech. They say, “oh, the cart is always being used. I’ll just teach the way I’m used to,” and never do a thing differently.
No just going 1:1 won’t make a difference. You are correct that it takes teacher buy-in and student embrace that makes the 1:1 different and successful. But that takes exposure, time, patience, and nurturing by “those in the know,” such as yourself.
(As for your friend above not reading offline, isn’t that more of a personal choice? Students can always close the laptop and read at home, yes? Please don’t blame personal choices on a computer initiative at school.)
*whew* I’m feeling this is turning into a bit of a harsh comment. Please remember that I am usually gentle, but dang it. If you don’t have the access, you won’t ever use it or learn the power of connectedness. I HEARTILY applaud how you’ve jumped right in and have been helping your buddies out–even to the point of letting me know that I’d irritated Susiie! *oops, my bad*
YOU are using this and are a great role model for the purpose of the 1:1. And you’ve been blogging exactly 1 month. Some will take longer to come ’round. I’m seeing success with the KIS 1:1. Have patience my young friend!
@Delish88
Yeah, I was seriously distracted by the 1:1 at the beginning… and seems most other students were distracted as well. I liked how you said laptops were ‘bling bling’s’ of KIS, they ARE! for now. like Ginger said, all we need is ‘Time”
and always, no problem for the linkings! I love to link good posts on air.
@Ginger.
First of all, I wasn’t offended in any way:p you had reasons.
Yes and seems like it is a world wide phenomenon about this 1:1 and technology input to education is lack of understanding and time.
to quote you, “They say, “oh, the cart is always being used. I’ll just teach the way I’m used to,” and never do a thing differently.” that’s what’s EXACTLY going on in KIS write now. Only new thing we have with computers is interacting each other in wikispaces or ning for homework notifications or downloading handouts online. Maybe that’s just a first step we have to cross. Anyways, it’s hard for teachers to just suddenly change their entire curriculum to fit the laptops… yeah.. TIME is the problem.
and thank you for the compliments!
Soojin Lee
[…] We Don’t Need the 1:1 Laptop System […]
Hey soojin.
I agree with your points on how none of use are actually connected. I’m not using the laptop to its fullest potential. In class I’m always commenting on Facebook or leveling up in Wow. I’m starting to realize how fun blogging is now. I was kinda shocked at how you were checking out your blog that time at Jihyungs house. Come to mine, although it has nothing
@jeffreyahn What’s the url for your blog?
@jeffrey
yeah blogging can be fun if you knew what or how to do with it. I will visit yours often!