1:1 Device Program set to be Integrated into even more US Schools in the Coming Years

The rise in devices owned by schools and districts is set to accelerate over the coming years.  Futuresource Consulting suggests that the average size of a school’s computing estate will grow by 22% over the next two years as schools look to complete 1:1 device programs.  

Futuresource Consulting’s new Ed tech voice infographic outlines the principal goal of integrating 1:1 devices into schools and barriers hindering a rollout of learning-based technology.

School Districts Ramp Up 1:1 Programs To Bridge In classroom And Home Learning

Since the typical learning environment shifted to learning at home during the pandemic, more schools than ever are investing in device programs that enhance learning without needing to be in a classroom.  A 1:1 device program is one-way districts effectively deploy technology to progress student learning in the classroom or via remote and hybrid lessons, ensuring that the quality of teaching isn’t affected.  Futuresource Consulting research shows that the percentage of schools undertaking 1:1 device programs in America has increased from 61% in 2020 to 63% in 2021, and schools expect their programs to continue growing. 

Challenges and Setbacks  

Completing 1:1 device programs is not without challenges.  In particular, schools report facing challenges with:

Integration – The transition into technology has allowed educators to explore more learning and teaching tactics. However, new learning styles must be considered through the class division of pupils attending schools.  The equity gap in classrooms has been widened because of remote learning.  While the 1:1 device program solves one challenge with students who don’t have access to devices, challenges like internet connection and access to a printer are still issues that educators have to solve to provide full access to equal education.  Moreover, this, combined with reluctant technology users, results in a problem integrating 1:1 device programs. 

Budget – To counter the economic impact of Covid-19, the US government released two plans of action amid the pandemic to help citizens and organizations. The CARES Act and The American Rescue Plan offer schools grants and relief packages to help students catch up with lost learning and to access online or hybrid learning resources.  Despite schools being able to access $200 billion in extra funding, overall school IT budgets remain flat.  Futuresource’s research shows that excluding Covid-19 funding, the average school’s annual IT budget in 2020 was $2.08 million; in 2021, it was $2.07 million, leaving less room for the 1:1 device program to be installed.

Purpose – Another barrier to adoption is that some people may find the program lacking or not of efficient use to the teacher and pupils. The program may have been in use in small numbers, and no progress was seen, so it was discarded and not used throughout the entire school or district.

Ed-Tech Influence

Futuresource Consulting also revealed the important factors influencing choice in buying devices in an educational setting. Those factors are:

• Customer service/ maintenance report at 66%
• Warranty options at 65%
• Durability at 59%

Learn About Ed Tech Voice Outlook for Compute Devices

Living in a post-pandemic world comes with challenges and evolutions in how daily life is led.  The school environment has changed drastically, shifting from an in-person activity to a blend of in-classroom and online or hybrid-based learning.  Observing how schools and districts now adopt technology to combat the new normal is important in exploring the impact and return on investment of education technology in K-12 schools across the USA.

To download your free infographic with the key findings of Futuresource Consulting’s research, click here.

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We’re Heading to Bett Once Again!

Bett 2023, hosted in London this March, will be a pivotal event in accelerating the development and recognition of education technology in the classroom. The Futuresource EdTech team will be on the show floor, connecting with other thought leaders in this space and covering Bett’s main topic and themes in our post-show report. With sustainability and innovation top of the agenda, the overarching theme of the event will focus on how we can transform the curriculum, with a focus on utilising pedagogy to reflect the accelerated use of technology to improve learner outcomes.

About the author

Chris Pennell

Chris Pennell is a Principal Analyst for Futuresource Consulting, leading Futuresource’s research across the Connectivity and Services practice. His research focuses on emerging technologies transforming enterprises' use of AV solutions.

Chris's recent research covers areas such as the shift to IP-connected devices, the use of managed and cloud-based services, and the impact of Pro AV solutions on the Future of Work. Working with various vendors and end users has enabled Chris to explore and build knowledge of the innovative ways enterprises use AV technologies to address ongoing challenges. Outside work, Chris is happiest helping raise his young family and supporting his local Scout troop.