1:1?

I had a great discussion with a fellow educator while I was in Vegas for my School Leadership Development Program.

We were discussion 1 to 1 laptop programs and if schools should go to this system. I understand the benefits and headaches a laptop program can be. Financially it is very expensive also. So what follows is what was discussed and how it could be implemented.

The Program

We are all for using technology in the classroom and in the homes. If each student had internet access at their finger tips the learning is endless. But, money! But, lost/theft/damage of laptop! But, charging stations and replacing batteries. The setbacks can be overwhelming and I didn't even mention firewalls and viruses protection. So instead of laptops why not desktops?

Obviously we are not thinking that the students need to lug monitor, CPU, keyboard, and mouse home and to school each day. Each student would have a desktop computer on or at their desk. This would decrease many of the headaches mention above. Plus, most students have a computer of some sort at home, so why do they need another one?

What good is it if they can't access their files?

This is where web 2.0 tools and applications come into play. With Google Docs you can keep all of your files online. Google has also implemented the use of keeping any file type in your Google docs folders. If you don't have a Google doc account, you can use Dropbox or even your USB drive.

I think this idea could be great and might be more manageable to start with. What are your thoughts?