Attention:

Schools are eager to become 1:1 with laptop programs, but they are wrong with this kind of thinking.  Gone will be the days of mice and keyboards.  The 5:1 and 4:1 classrooms are those of the future for tech-heavy, well-endowed and ‘lucky’ schools. What do these programs consist of? Let’s look:

1. Projector / with Mimio, Smartboard, or Promethian – no keyboards
2. Wacom Tablets and All-in-one Multitouch Computers – no keyboards
3. Surface Computers, like Windows / Samsung Surface Computers – no keyboards
4. Tablets, like iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Asus Eee Pad, Motorolla Xoom (My choice) – no keyboards
5. Smart phones using Swype technology– no keyboards

And maybe a notebook here and there with a keyboard for my grandma.  But let’s be done with the rows and rows of computer desktop classrooms.

Proof:

I am hoping that provocative questions like these are proof enough:

• How many phones are there that are switching from touch-pads to multi-touch?
• How many kids 4 and under are better at turning on and using an iPad than a keyboard and mouse? (http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150260787791089)
• How come the fastest text typers are using something called Swype with Android, rather than keypads?
• Why is the the tablet rising in sales versus the laptop? (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/06/business/la-fi-tablet-era-20110506)
• Why is Windows 8 made completely for multi-touch capabilities?

Strategy:

What does this mean for schools and educators?  This means:

• Different ideas for the budget.
• Continued training for teachers about how to use these devices.
• Technology Integration Specialists, instead of classroom technology teachers
• Allowing students to bring their devices to school
• Supporting student devices, both physically, through networking and academically, with authentic connections to lessons
• Everyone needs New ways of thinking.