One to One Implementation

Our goal when integrating technology is to engage students in learning, empower them with access to digital content, and produce graduates who can use technology productively and responsibly.  During the summer of 2015, Spencer-Owen Community Schools began investigating the possibility of implementing a "one to one" initiative at Owen Valley High School to help us achieve this goal.  This investigation was focused around two primary questions.  Is it the best decision for our students?  Is it financially possible and fiscally responsible?

Throughout the 2015-16 school year, a team of teachers and administrators visited several schools currently implementing a one to one initiative and evaluated these programs.  This team (along with student input), compared different devices, and conducted research and training on digital resources.   In January, 2016, as part of this research process, we began a pilot with a single classroom using Chromebooks.  This class learned using a combination of digital and traditional print resources.  This small scale pilot provided an opportunity to test our network capacity, Chrome OS management, and device/classroom management. 

The success of this trial, along with parent, teacher and student input, led us to expand the pilot to all 9thgrade students for the 2016-17 school year.  Spencer-Owen Community Schools continued to make improvements to network capacity and infrastructure, provide training to teachers on technology integration, and monitor the effectiveness of instruction during this time.  In January, 2017 we presented our findings at the Spencer-Owen Community Schools Board of Trustees meeting.  To view a copy of this presentation click here.

Based on the success of the grade-level pilot, the decision was made to expand to a full 9th-12th grade 1 to 1 implementation at Owen Valley High School beginning with the 2017-18 school year.  Course content will be organized and delivered to students using the Canvas learning management system.  We will continue to evaluate and refine this implementation, provide teacher training on technology integration, and work toward our goals of engaging students in learning, empowering them with access to digital content, and producing graduates who can use technology productively and responsibly.

Check out the Twitter feed, or search #socsowen for a look at some of the other exciting opportunities in Spencer-Owen Community Schools!