Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Myths about 1:1 classroom technology

Andrew Marcinek is an information technology specialist in Boston. He works at a high school that has a 1:1 iPad program--every student and teacher began the school year this year with an iPad. Marcinek points out that there are many myths and misconceptions about the role of 1:1 technology in schools, and he dispels five myths based on observations he's made at his school. His myths are:
1. The digital generation needs technology.
2. The iPad is simply a tool.
3. It's not a distraction.
4. Creating or purchasing textbooks for the iPad is a grant innovation.
5. Going 1:1 with iPads teaches one product.

His ideas seem very valid, but seem to be based only on anecdotal evidence. It's certainly not research study material. He says "My assertions are not based on opinion, but on evidence directly observed in secondary classrooms at Burlington High School and from the students that traverse these halls daily. Our school launched 1,000-plus iPads last year, and we're starting our second year with the device in the hands of all students and teachers." At the end of the article, he restates this point: "Some may strongly disagree with the myth-busting mentioned above, but the evidence posted is not my opinion. As stated before, this evidence comes from my daily interaction with students and teachers working and learning in a 1:1 iPad Environment." He seems a bit emphatic about the idea that it's not his opinion--but either way, his points are worth considering. I won't be using the post in my literature review, though!

Marcinek, A. (2012, Oct. 5). "Dispelling the myths about 1:1 environments." [blog post]. Accessed from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/dispelling-one-to-one-myths-andrew-marcinek.

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