Impact Study - 1to1 for Student in Blue Valley Schools and Beyond

 

Reflecting on the 2017-18 Blended Learning Impact Study: Shaping the Future of Blue Valley Elementary Schools

Between 2017 and 2018, the Blue Valley School District embarked on a transformative journey to integrate technology intentionally into our classrooms. A pivotal moment in this era was the 2017-18 Impact Study, an initiative I was proud to plan and lead alongside Dr. Todd White, Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Brian Daley, Kent Corser, Kelly Ott, Jennifer Luzenske, and Dr. Kelly Wessel.

Following our implementation of the Canvas LMS, we sought to answer critical questions about how technology could best support our elementary students. Here are the core insights from that study that helped shape our digital landscape:

Right-Sizing Device Ratios

Our research found that while technology is essential across all grades, the frequency and type of need vary. We determined:

• Grades K-2: A 2:1 ratio is sufficient, as technology is primarily used in station rotations for content consumption.

• Grades 3-5: A 1:1 ratio is preferred to support daily research, independent projects, and the creation of digital content.

Matching Devices to Developmental Needs

The study emphasized that "one size does not fit all" when it comes to hardware:

• Touchscreens are essential for all grade levels to ensure ease of use, particularly for younger students who may struggle with trackpads.

• iPads were recommended for younger learners, while Chromebooks became the best fit for older students (Grades 2-5) who require physical keyboards for typing and cloud-based drafting.

Breaking Down Infrastructure Barriers

Efficiency is the key to maximizing instructional time. The study highlighted a significant need for:

• Single Sign-On (SSO): To prevent lost learning time, we identified a need for a platform where students only need to sign on once to access all district-approved sites.

• Streamlined Profiles: Ensuring students have distinct profiles helps manage personalized content and improves security.

Prioritizing Healthy, Balanced Use

Technology is a tool for learning, not a replacement for physical interaction. Our findings advocated for:

• Intentional Balance: We recommended a mix of online and offline work, with average daily school screen time ranging from 11-30 minutes for K-2 and 31-60 minutes for grades 3-5.

• Digital Citizenship: Across all grades, we committed to teaching students how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

The 2017-18 Impact Study wasn’t just about gadgets; it was about ensuring that every digital tool served a pedagogical purpose. It was an honor to lead this team as we built a foundation for a modern, blended learning environment in Blue Valley.