How Dr. Robert Craven implemented 1:1 deployment successfully to 24,000 students, and why you should hear about it at ISTE 2016.
These days, technology and education are becoming more and more intertwined, and no one knows that better than Dr. Robert Craven.
As the Senior Director of Technology at Tustin Unified School District, Robert successfully implemented what is known as 1:1. What does this mean? Why is it impressive? It means that each and every one of the 24,000 students in the district have access to a digital device, both in class and at home. It means that 24,000 students can now take their learning online, can make use of digital resources and can access information at any time that can enhance and promote learning.
We caught up with Dr. Craven ahead of his presentation at ISTE 2016 to talk about technology in schools, the challenges of 1:1 deployment, and why he believes that every student should have a digital device.
PC: You have quite the impressive resume! Senior Director for Tech at Tustin Unified School District, 20 years in technology education, time with LA Unified School District at the county level, you’re a Google Certified Teacher, an Apple Distinguished Educator and the CUE Board President. With all that experience in Education, what is it about technology that interests you the most?
I find it fascinating. As an educator in inner city LA, it really was a great engagement piece for students. I saw the way that technology had the ability to accelerate learning, when used correctly. In Tustin [Unified School District], we’re seeing amazing things happening. We have robotics programs going in as early as elementary levels that result in competitions from grade 3 all the way up to high school. We’re seeing 3D printers and engineering programs in which students even went ahead and designed a prosthetic device for a student who was missing part of his arm. Technology [has the] power to transform the lives of our students by giving them opportunities they wouldn’t naturally have had otherwise.
PC: That’s all amazing stuff – can we attribute this to the technology itself? Is there a support system to make sure the plans for 1:1 deployment run smoothly?
First of all, resources behind the technology must be robust. There needs to be excellent communication and access to [resources like] videos, sample lessons, support for the teachers, demonstrations and well trained coaches working with teachers, in their classrooms, a couple times a week. The schools also need to ensure that they have enough network bandwidth, because with 1:1 deployment, schools eat bandwidth like it’s going out of style. Beyond the classroom, administrators and the community really have to come through. At the community level, that could mean increasing taxes to go 1:1, setting up large grants and providing additional funding for schools. It’s important that the schools work with the community on things like attendance incentive programs and attendance in general. [1:1 deployment] is a district project – everyone coming together to support the students in technology.
”Technology [has the] power to transform the lives of our students by giving them opportunities they wouldn’t naturally have had otherwise.
PC: That’s all amazing stuff – can we attribute this to the technology itself? Is there a support system to make sure the plans for 1:1 deployment run smoothly?
First of all, resources behind the technology must be robust. There needs to be excellent communication and access to [resources like] videos, sample lessons, support for the teachers, demonstrations and well trained coaches working with teachers, in their classrooms, a couple times a week. The schools also need to ensure that they have enough network bandwidth, because with 1:1 deployment, schools eat bandwidth like it’s going out of style. Beyond the classroom, administrators and the community really have to come through. At the community level, that could mean increasing taxes to go 1:1, setting up large grants and providing additional funding for schools. It’s important that the schools work with the community on things like attendance incentive programs and attendance in general. [1:1 deployment] is a district project – everyone coming together to support the students in technology.
PC: Let’s talk about your ISTE presentation: Oh Snap: What didn’t and did work in 1:1 deployments. Based on the title, it sounds like you’ve had your fair share of spills in the 1:1 world. What was the biggest one you’ve come across?
Most of the time, the biggest roadblocks come down to network issues, which are not as sexy or noticeable as some other components of 1:1 deployment, so it often gets forgotten. People don’t realize it’s a major facilities project, which means it takes a lot of planning and coordination. In fact, it is often an 18-36 month process.
It’s going to be a fun presentation. It’s nice to go and have fun on stage with other presenters without taking ourselves too seriously. We’re trying to outdo each other on the biggest problem/whoops moment in our 1:1 deployment experience.
PC: Do you know ahead of time who has the biggest “whoops” moment?
We’ll be figuring it out on stage!
”Having done it both ways myself, paperless is definitely the way to go.
PC: Why would a district NOT want to go 1:1?
That’s a very good question. Nowadays, I do not see a reason why a district should NOT go 1:1. For bigger districts it is more complicated, but students are at a disadvantage without it. Unless the local economy can’t support it, but in that case it really is a shame. The bigger question becomes: how are districts working to bridge the homework gap, and ensure that all their students can have internet access when they leave the school campus? Homes have connectivity, but it isn’t always easily accessible to the student. How do we ensure they have wifi access when they need it, and not just when the parents are home?
PC: We have talked about Permission Click and our experience with 1:1. Based on your experiences with 1:1 deployment, do you think that Permission Click would be useful?
It would definitely make the process easier. Having all that information online and easily accessible would certainly be beneficial, especially if it can be handled at the point of registration where parents are already completing information for their kids. That [functionality] makes it tremendously useful. The fact that it’s online, quickly accessible and that staff can check it out at any point; I can’t see why you wouldn’t do it that way. Having done it both ways myself, paperless is definitely the way to go.
PC: If you were to give a teaser to your future attendees, what would it be?
Come ready to laugh at us a bit, ready to empathize, learn a few things, and head back prepared for your 1:1 deployment.
