In March 2025, the UK government committed to a new £45 million investment in digital infrastructure for schools. While this will undoubtedly have a substantial impact on impact on technology in education, it is also a stark reminder of how important it is to break down the digital divide. Ensuring that schools have a robust digital infrastructure goes beyond installing fibre optic cables and signal boosters. It also means ensuring that students have access to devices of their own, both inside and outside the classroom.
Here, we look at the importance of 1:2:1 device programmes as part of a comprehensive approach to technology in schools and their role in futureproofing students' education.
The digital divide refers to the disparity of digital access between different households. For education to be truly universal, all students need to access digital learning technologies regardless of their social or economic background.
Providing each student with their own devices ensures equal access to digital resources, helping to close the digital divide and enhance learning opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Having access to personal devices doesn't just provide better access to learning; it can also improve engagement with learning. Studies have demonstrated that students are more likely to show an improvement in knowledge and technical skills when they have their own device, as well as spend more time on their homework.
Furthermore, access to a personal device under a 1:2:1 programme allows students to personalise the appearance and interface of their devices. This further promotes engagement, allowing students to better tailor their learning materials to their individual needs.
To have a strong sense of ownership of their learning, students should see it as an experience that transcends the physical boundaries of the school. Learning is an ongoing and lifelong lesson, and 1:2:1 device programmes can help students to better realise this.
Access to personal devices allows students to extend their learning beyond the classroom, allowing them the materials they need to complete assignments at home. In the home environment, they are free to learn in their own way, taking risks, experimenting, and learning through trial and error in ways they may not attempt when among peers.
Personal devices promote continuity and flexibility in learning. They can therefore be extremely beneficial to disruptions in learning, such as a student's long-term absence or broader disruptions such as those we recently saw during the global pandemic.
One of the key benefits of technology in education is that it prepares young people for the realities of engaging with the future workplace and job market.
Digital technologies play a ubiquitous role in virtually all industries and sectors, as well as play an increasingly substantial role in our lives outside of work. In an increasingly digitised world, it is incumbent upon schools to imbue students with the digital skills to excel in their work and careers.
1:1 technology in schools affords students a stake in tomorrow's skills market, creating a foundation that they can spend the rest of their lives building upon and be successful in their ongoing careers.
To explore the various options we offer for your educational device needs, get in touch with our Easy4u team today!
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