Lessons learned from 1-to-laptop initiatives: reflections on critical components

Abstract

More and more jurisdictions are exploring and implementing ubiquitous learning environments. The Ubiquitous Computing Evaluation Consortium identifies at least 14 large-scale learning with laptop and 16 district initiatives. Other jurisdictions are implementing handheld initiatives. MIT has announced a $100 laptop intended to bring technology to the world's poor countries, but will be piloted in Massachusetts. Such initiatives have enormous implications for both inservice and preservice teacher education. This panel will bring together panelists representing five learning with laptop initiatives, including Irving (TX) Independent School District, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative, the New Bedford Global Learning Charter School (MA), and various handheld initiatives. The panel presentations will conclude with a long-term view of 1-to-1 initiatives, including comparisons and contrasts between Australia and the USA.