1 to 1 Notebook Initiative Ciaran Folan Co. Galway VEC

4 things to remember I love it when a plan comes together “I love it when a plan comes together” “People get ready ” “Don’t slit your throat on the cutting edge of technology” “Just do it”

In the beginning (2008) Co. Galway VEC 12 Schools 30 Further Education Centres 3500 learners 500 staff 12 Schools 30 Further Education Centres 3500 learners 500 staff 40 Networks/Workgroups 75% desktops 25% laptops Mix of platforms and devices 40 Networks/Workgroups 75% desktops 25% laptops Mix of platforms and devices No designated ICT team Local purchasing and procurement No centralised planning No designated ICT team Local purchasing and procurement No centralised planning Infrastructure Management

Today 1 network Wireless network across all schools 2000 student notebooks VLE Staff laptops 1 network Wireless network across all schools 2000 student notebooks VLE Staff laptops ICT Steering Group ICT Officer Centralised planning, support & procurement ICT Steering Group ICT Officer Centralised planning, support & procurement 1 Technical Support Provider 30 Notebook Rollout teachers 2 Teacher CPD Trainers 1 Technical Support Provider 30 Notebook Rollout teachers 2 Teacher CPD Trainers Infrastructure Management Support structure

Why? Equality of opportunity Motivation Learner engagement Differentiation Lessons from our pilot What is the role of Technology? Both Teaching tool? Learning tool?

How? Decide where you want to be in 3 or 4 years time Gather a core team of people ICT Officer Technical expert Principal(s) Finance Teacher(s) CPD Team 2 or 3 teachers

How? Rollout team 25 teachers Several in each school Given training and support to implement notebooks in each school Varying roles Technical E-books Warranty and repair Classroom use Resource creation Everything else

How? Build a wireless network to manage the devices Choose a robust device – more expensive upfront, cheaper in the long term Lock down the devices but don’t be too restrictive Relax restrictions as students move up through the school Invest in classroom control software Encourage teachers to develop digital resources and develop subject themed teams of developers

Things we learned the hard way Hinges are harder to get Power supplies are hard to get Next day on site warranty doesn’t mean your site The “E” in E-books stands for Error Do the maths! st Years X 6 Years = 600 devices st Years X 6 Years = 600 devices

Things we are learning Good digital resources come to life in this environment (Wireless mb broadband) 1 to 1 computing engages learners Teacher created resources are as good if not better than commercial resources - focussed on the syllabus not on books 1 to 1 is a powerful tool in delivering DES priorities Literacy and Numeracy strategy. Revised JC short courses

Finally Plan Prepare Be realistic Go for it!

Ciaran Folan Deputy Principal Athenry Vocational School