Google Initiative - 1:1 Technology

Sandia High School 1:1 Technology

This initiative will allow each enrolled student at Sandia High School to use an electronic device in order to access the Internet, digital course materials, and digital textbooks.

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

We are committed to this goal by January of 2020, and currently have 15 carts of Chromebooks already being implemented in the classrooms.

Why Is This Valuable?

Personalized Learning / Differentiated Instruction

Recognizing that students do not learn the same material at the same pace and in the same way, 1:1 technology makes it possible for teachers to differentiate content delivery and student assignments, using a variety of teaching methods and tools.

For example, videos can be paused and viewed multiple times by students for whom the traditional lecture moves too quickly. In addition to video, electronic and online resources can be selected and shared at the appropriate student readiness level or learning style, ensuring that the content is being delivered and standards are being met, in a way that can be best understood by all students.

Enhanced Student Engagement, Motivation, and Ownership for Learning

In a 1:1 environment, the learning shifts from the more traditional instructor-led model to a more student-centered focus. Accessibility to online learning tools gives students options that naturally engage them in the learning process. Technology is one tool that provides effective differentiation, while increasing student engagement and motivation.

Tools for Teaching, Tools for Learning

A 1:1 program has the ability to scaffold student tasks, and assess what they are learning along the way. Project-based learning supports 21st century-style critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity—which are essential skills required in high school, college, and the workplace. A student can choose from myriad technologies to implement effective research strategies, to collaborate with peers, and publish findings.

Enhanced Opportunity For Collaboration, Within And Outside The School

When provided with a device, students have a sense of ownership and are more apt to take charge and become more invested in their own learning. They have access to resources not confined by the classroom walls or the school day. Students are able to collaborate with their peers through tools such as Google Docs, blogs, Web tools, etc., as they communicate and problem-solve. Personal devices will also enable students to access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information in all their subject areas.

Access To Primary Source Information

Sandia High School envisions students accessing primary sources of information from multiple sources in order to synthesize meaning and understanding - a key element of college and career success in the 21st century. On-demand access to a reliable device makes this possible for students and allows teachers in the classroom to plan around this instructional opportunity.

1:1 Technology Improves Student Workflow

Students experience greater independence, greater task completion, and more efficient workflow with the ability to electronically manage and share tasks in a single environment (as opposed to across multiple binders, notebooks, etc.) that travels easily between school and home.

Shift In Learning

Decreased Emphasis on Technology as a Discrete Topic or Subject

A concern sometimes raised about 1:1 technology programs is that schooling will become overly-focused on technology and connecting students to devices. Ironically, making devices ubiquitous across the school day may actually have the benefit of minimizing technology as the focus of learning; instead of learning about technology, students learn with technology. Teachers are better able to use technology as it is literally intended, as a tool for achieving work and goals we already have, such as student learning, collaboration, access to information, and engagement in problem solving.

Minimization of Traditional Resources

With 1:1 technology, students require fewer resources such as binders, calculators, and some traditional textbooks. At minimum, it provides Sandia High School the opportunity to fully explore and balance the benefits of digital resources versus traditional ones.