In a recent article published in eSchool News entitled “1-to-1 Computing in the Spotlight,” Laura Devaney reports on a few interesting findings from a recent study conducted by Project Red. Based on a close examination of nationwide data, the project determined the percentage of schools in each state which provide ubiquitous computer access.
According to the study,
“South Dakota, Maine, and Wyoming top the list of states with the highest percentage of schools that have ubiquitous (one-to-one) computing programs for their students–while California (50) ranks last in this category…”
The study also reveals
“…a national average of about 5.4 percent of schools with ubiquitous technology programs, reaching about 4 percent of students.”
Interestingly enough, it seems the smaller states like Missouri (11) , Nebraska (6), and Kansas (4) have had much more success establishing one-to-one access for public school students.
According to Jean Hayes, a Project RED manager,
“Often, it’s easier for less populous states to implement statewide education technology initiatives because they have a smaller percentage of the national student population and the costs of such initiatives are less.”
Whereas the study found that larger states like New York (29) and California (50), which have made significant investments in educational technology, are reaching a smaller percentage of the respective state’s student population.
But, ranking states simply based on student access to computer technology may be misleading.
“[one-to-one access] isn’t the end-all, be-all of how they’re using technology, but it’s an interesting snapshot of technology access in U.S. schools,” said Hayes.
