As Lisa Nielsen (@InnovativeEdu) reported in her recent blog post, Microsoft Vice-President @AnthonySalcito cautioned 1:1 advocates regarding focusing on digital devices rather than the learning opportunities associated with connectivity.
I first heard the phrase 1 to the World from friend and disruptive-questioner Alan November (@globalearner). Here are five reasons Alan November was right to suggest that we refer to 1 to the World rather than 1:1 initiatives. What other reasons can you identify?
1.
The 1:1 terminology mistakenly implies that people use
just one device. Although some adults and students do not have access to any digital
devices, many adults and students use multiple devices. They might use a smart
phone one moment, only to employ a netbook shortly thereafter, while sitting
down at a desktop computer later in the day. 1 to the World does not muddy the water by suggesting people use
just one device.
2.
With the 1:1 phrase, many people assume that a group of
students will all be using the same type of device. People naturally work alongside
and collaborate with others while using a variety of devices. Let’s not use
terminology that suggests that everyone should be using the same type of
device.
3.
The 1:1 terminology incorrectly suggests that providing
ubiquitous access to technology is an end in and of itself. The existence of
every student with a device is a means to an end, not the goal.
4.
1 to the World effectively
emphasizes that we want to connect every student globally. Global connectivity
provides students with resources, collaborators and an audience throughout the
world.
5.
1 to the World
appropriately avoids focusing on who provides the device. Obviously bring-your-own-device/bring-your-own-technology
initiatives involve students providing the devices. The common perception is
that schools provide the devices with 1:1 initiatives. In contrast with these
phrases, the source of the device is not the point with the 1 to the World phrase. Schools may
provide devices. Students may bring their own devices. Alternatively, some
students may use school-provided devices while others bring their own. Thus, 1 to the World helpfully focuses on the
purpose of the connectivity rather than who provides the device.
Help us rebrand these initiatives as 1 to the World. Blog and tweet using and advocating for this terminology. Use the #1toWorld hashtag. Share this post. Words mean a lot so use this terminology to help focus the conversation on learning, not the device.
