Going 1:1? Just a few more things to consider.

So your school is going 1:1? No doubt it’s a significant investment in time and money but early results indicate it can be a very successful initiative for students that are accustomed to having devices constantly at their fingertips. You have a plan. You have upgraded your network infrastructure to accommodate the extra bandwidth. You have chosen the tablet or netbook that fits best within your budget, support capability and overall goals. You have firewalls and software in place to protect students from accessing inappropriate content. You have conditions of use and policies in place and you have a deployment schedule. You are ready.

Now the devices have arrived. Let’s say the plan was to share the devices at least until the budget allows you to expand your 1:1 initiative to more students. You thought to get a cart for device storage and charging right? You considered the power requirements of the device right? Some charge carts have smart power or timers that manage electrical loads so that devices charge properly without the risks of overloading your circuits. Some carts have designated space for large power supplies or power bricks that make it easier to install and manage cumbersome charging cables. Some carts are made of wood or plastic and some carts are made of fire-retardant steel or metal. Some carts allow space for protective cases and some carts do not. Some carts are more secure than others and all carts come in various capacities and sizes. It’s a lot to consider before choosing a simple charge cart.

Now let’s say you are fortunate to have enough devices for every student and the plan is to keep the devices in the classroom at all times. You thought to get a cabinet for device storage and charging right? And you considered all the factors listed above right? Did you consider that by having the luxury of not moving the entire classroom set of devices also means you can spread them out around the room thus reducing the time it takes students to load and unload devices. So rather than choosing a 30 unit cabinet it might be wise to install three ten unit cabinets and place them in opposite corners of the room so that more students can access the devices at one time.

Ok ok, so you got the storage and charging figured out. Now, is it in the plan to use your 1:1 devices for standardized testing? If you chose the iPad or another tablet did you also purchase a wired keyboard. Most states require a wired, full-size keyboard for standardized testing. Did you purchase cases? Does your case include a stand that allows for portrait and landscape orientation? Did you purchase headsets for your devices? Did you purchase extra cables? Maybe you accounted for most of these things before you started your 1:1 deployment. But don't worry if you forgot something there is a lot to consider and undoubtedly it seems there is always just one more thing.