-Barriers,+etc.

=Barriers, Restraints, Concerns=

about any aspect of implementing 1:1 laptops

 * lack of knowledge of how to apply a given technology to a given curriculum
 * lack of prep time (egg metaphor)
 * removal of old laptops for new laptops
 * pace of tech is so quick; things are outdated so quickly- do we invest ourselves in learning something that will be outdated?
 * security/proper use issues
 * information overload
 * initial time commitment
 * management strategies
 * what if tech crashes? backup plan
 * how do we get the help- mentor, tutorials?
 * what about students who refuse to take the laptop home
 * what about parents who don't wish their children to use laptops
 * what about breakage?
 * plug in during class- uncharged batteries
 * trip over cords
 * timed tests- what about poor typers? special characters for math
 * student anger over being forced to use laptops
 * what software will they have- can we know ahead of time
 * strategies for differentiated technology strategies
 * internet access
 * content specific collaboration
 * handwriting/spelling skills so poor- job applications requiring writing sample
 * consistency across classes? too much consistency v. not enough consistency
 * teachers will need to be lifelong learners & step outside their comfort zone
 * distraction in class- how do you manage?
 * are we preparing them for college?
 * how do we deal with cut and paste, cheating
 * heavy object in their backpack- how do we fit books in?
 * how do they fit into the library
 * what do students do with laptops at lunch
 * proprietary issues- passwords, etc.
 * online ethics
 * am i just using it because it's new/cool?
 * do all middle schoolers coming in have the same skillsets
 * does it really level the playing field? is it a help or hindrance for weak students
 * teacher's learning curve can be a restraint
 * will we get concentrated training so what is learned can be applied
 * will we have structured tech support for teacher needs
 * current problems amplified- cyber bullying
 * insurance costs- who pays?
 * responsibility- what if laptop privileges are lost
 * parental expectations- instant feedback?
 * how do we use in performance based classes?
 * maintenance- who's responsible
 * funding for software
 * online access at home
 * teachers feel "forced" into using technology (artificially)
 * belief that what we're doing now works just as well
 * time consuming (to log on, etc.)
 * loss of human touch
 * single place where a teacher can see what's going on around school
 * power bill for the building
 * coordination of expectation for parents- consistency
 * how do we police inappropriate parental usage?
 * tech overload
 * additional stress for the teacher- mental, eyes, back, bringing work home, cost of internet connection at home
 * how do students share files with each other and with the teacher? (drop box?)