Educators, as a collective of teachers, paraeducators and administrators, face significant challenges with high school students using social media during instructional time. With social media access unblocked or lenient cell phone policies, we are losing precious minutes meant for learning. Even when a smartphone or device is out of sight, the cognitive hook for a digital distraction, luring a student away from the lesson, can take 23 minutes to recover. In short, we must protect instructional time. Protecting instructional time requires establishing clear boundaries with students, which may involve implementing or adopting new policies around 1:1 programs, filtering on the device, and more. This could further include guidelines for parental communication, especially in cases where parents encourage using social media to connect with their children. Read more…
Metrics of Success in 1:1 Porgram
As we move into 2025, a simple question I am attempting to approach through various perspectives is what constitutes a successful 1:1 student device program. What metrics are being used to support such a claim? No, gotcha; just honest-to-goodness curiosity at what you may feel makes a program successful. Read more…
Sample Post: A Smooth Transition: Helping Your Child Adjust to Middle School Life
Transitions to new offices, positions, and working with new colleagues (and much more!) are complex for everyone. Transitions can also be difficult for students moving from one of our two elementary schools to our regional middle school. With this in mind, I wanted to highlight our fifth-grade teacher team, a dynamic group of teachers who work tirelessly to support our students. I asked some of our teachers to share essential tips for parents as they help their children transition to middle school. Read more…
Protecting Student Data in the Age of EdTech: Best Practices for School Districts
Ensuring the privacy and security of student data in our schools is paramount. While public school districts can sometimes appear as slow-moving entities, the pace often accelerates regarding educational technology. There is a temptation to move fast—purchasing software and diving into professional development—without fully addressing strict data privacy measures. However, rushing deployment without proper privacy considerations can lead to significant agita for everyone involved.
1:1 Programs Are No Longer Innovative; Were They Ever?
The once-promising initiative of 1:1 programs, funded by local taxpayers, state and federal grants, and bolstered by social media appeal, has become a mere checkbox for public schools. The original goal of adopting a 1:1 environment to enhance student academic effectiveness has faded, leaving a program that schools strive to attain and maintain without a clear purpose.
History and Evolution of the 1:1 Laptop Initiative in Public Schools