Free for All: A Case Study Examining Implementation Factors of One-to-One Device Programs

Abstract

Despite significant investment in school one-to-one device programs, little is known about which aspects of program implementation work and why. Through a comparison of two implementation models, adopter-diffusion and saturation, and using existing data from the One Laptop per Child Australia laptop program, we explored how factors of implementation may affect device diffusion, learning and educational outcomes, and program sustainability in schools. In this article we argue that more focused research into implementation of one-to-one device programs, moving beyond comparisons of “devices versus without devices,” is needed to provide reliable data to inform future program funding and advance this area of research.

KEYWORDS:

• implementation
• laptops
• technology innovation
• educational change

Notes

1. Information on student training and technology support was not available in the OLPC dataset, and therefore not reported on in this article.

2. Using the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) classification.