Phase 2
Step 9: Address staff technology needs
Ideally, teachers should have laptop computers for a minimum of six months before students use them in class.
The school can provide laptop computers to all teaching staff working two or more days a week. This enables teachers to become sufficiently comfortable with ICT to adjust to the requirements of 21st Century learning.
Step 10: Develop a Professional Development Framework and prepare a Change Management Strategy
While it is easy and natural to focus on the logistics of ICT integration, professional development is the critical priority. A comprehensive professional development program can boost confidence, build competence and foster commitment among teachers.
A Continuous Professional Development Framework should provide clear expectations for teachers about how they can effectively use ICT to support and extend student learning.
Step 11: Prepare physical learning spaces
Effective 21st Century learning spaces are not limited to the traditional teacher-centered model that many schools are limited to. Research confirms students conform to physical spaces.
In a 1-to-1 'anywhere, anytime' learning model, learning spaces are transfromed to enable a new, more complete learning experience. Spaces are flexible, interesting, inspirational and cater to a range of learning styles and modalities.
Step 12: Select software tools to fit pedagogical goals
Before purchasing additional software, be clear on the learning objectives you are seeking in each class and how software will support these objectives.
Software companies now are developing more appropriate licenses for laptop initiatives, and it is also worth exploring applications which may support your objectives without requiring additional expenditure such as Flickr, Google Earth, etc.
Step 13: Explore supplier partnership opportunities and form factors
There are two essential considerations when selecting the best device:
1. Selecting a device suitable for students. Many low cost devices are unsuitable for student use. Devices must be selected to provide students with a reliable, flexible, and long term (3 year) option.
2. Selecting a supply partner. A decision to engage a supplier should not be made purely on price. The supplier should have a vested interest in ensuring the program works, the devices are maintained, and students have a reliable 1-to-1 experience.
Step 14: Calculate the total cost of participation in the program
An accurate and detailed total cost of participation must be provided to parents and guardians before inviting them to join the program.
It is acceptable to advise a higher cost of participation than expected to allow for contingencies, and then to adjust the cost down, if possible.
It is not accepable to advise lower cost and then ask parents to provide a greater contribution when costs were forgotten or not included.
The golden rule is to always under promise, then over deliver.
Step 15: Define essential policies
There are about 40 policies that need to be considered and defined by your school before conducting parent nights (also referred to as out-of-box or open-the-box nights).
These policies should be discussed at length with the relevant members of the staff and the school community and with other schools to find out how they deal with some of the major issues.
Step 16: Prepare responses to anticipated questions
Preparing answers to anticipated questions will maximize your chances of gaining broad community support for your initiative. Also, it will demonstrate your school's preparedness to move to a 1-to-1 program.
Continue to PHASE 3
Return to PHASE 1
