One to One Overview

Introduction

Mitford School is a One-to-One school. All Grade 7 and 8 students are required to participate in the One-to-One. This has been accomplished with the use of a personally owned device or by a school loaner program if that is not possible.

The Goals of One to One

Provide online anytime personalized learning environments that allow kids easy access to information and tools that support inquiry and skill development.
Creating Universal Learning Environments by creating multiple access points to learning and supports to learning.
Build Digital Citizenship awareness and capacity, including maintenance and safety.
Foster Collaboration between and among students and teachers, both locally and globally.
Develop 21st Century Skills that will allow students to navigate their world.
Fostering the connection between school and home to support student achievement.

System Requirements

Laptops (Mac or PC) are strongly recommended as devices of choice for this initiative. Netbooks and Tablets may be considered if they meet the following criteria:

Have a full QWERTY keyboard for typing;
Be capable of playing Flash (Youtube) videos;
Have wireless G or N networking with WPA connectivity.
Please note, iPads and Chromebooks cannot run Provincial testing software and Flash multimedia.
Head phones are a requirement.

Recommended Software List

Click here to go to our Recommended Software List which contains links for software required under this initiative.

Maintenance

Maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting are the responsibility of the student for all personally owned devices.

What is the primary goal of this initiative?

The key goal of this initiative is improving and enhancing student learning through the implementation of ubiquitous computing. Ubiquitous computing makes use of a variety of digital devices and resources to engage students in critically analyzing information, creating new knowledge, communicating what they have learned, and choosing tools that are appropriate for a particular task.

How will this project get laptops into the hands of all students?

Students in grades 7 and 8 will have two options to access technology. The preferred method would be that students would maintain their own personal device. If that is not possible, then a "loaner" program will be provided through the school.
For grade 5 & 6, the school will be providing daily computer access, in either one to one or sign out form, to provide opportunities for students at all grades to develop and progress with their computing skills. In subsequent years the possibility exists to expand the use of personally owned devices.

Will students that already have laptops be able to use them for the initiative?

At this point in time, standards set for student laptops include existing student equipment. However if specialized functions are required for a specific course, such as video editing and storage, a current student owned computer might not be adequate. In such cases, the school will have available computers for these specific purposes.

How will the students be able to power/charge their units for a full day's usage?

Mitford School students will need to be proactive in charging their machines daily at home. We will be supplying power charging sources should students need them.

How will computer theft be addressed?

It is the responsibility of students to maintain and keep their machine safe. Mitford School strongly recommends parents insure their student’s computer through home insurance. As with all possessions brought to school, it is important for students to keep their valuables secure when they cannot directly monitor them. Additionally, there are software and apps that help track to whom the machine belongs. Permanent identification of the machine via engraving is recommended.
The school will support an investigation if a device is stolen. Missing devices should be reported immediately to a teacher so the device can be located before a class is dismissed.

Does each school have the infrastructure to support 250+ laptops?

RVS experts will assist the school to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place to support the increase in technology. This endeavour has been has been achieved at other schools in RVS.

What other technologies will be used through this initiative?

Classrooms are equipped with infrastructure to support digital online learning. These tools will be used regularly as teaching tools. The schools also use Moodle and Plone technologies, which serves as a powerful tool to post important information for both students and parents. Moodle and Google Docs will be tools used to create personalized learning environments in all core subjects. Library Commons digital resources, research, online testing tools, assistive technology and engaging online activities are used to create universal learning environments.
Mitford will provide opportunities to keep abreast of technological tools that emerge and play a productive role in work environments.

Will parents be charged extra fees?

Outside of the purchase of a laptop for their student, no additional fees will be charged for this initiative.

What will the technology budget be spent on?

The plan for building infrastructure is twofold; the school will invest in expanding the opportunities for students and teachers to be able to operate in an environment that will be inviting to ubiquitous computing. This will require additional hardware and software support. The second infrastructure, and perhaps the most important, is to continually invest in professional learning for teachers. Essentially the transformation of learning and engagement will be continuous. Finally, new interactive online textbooks and assistive technologies are being developed to support student’s unique learning needs. These items will require extensive investment by the school.