GenYES 1:1
Program Overview
GenYES 1:1 provides the online resources and environment necessary to prepare a team of Student Technology Leaders (STLs). This program proves to be especially important in 1:1 rollouts to provide just-in-time support for teachers and students. Modeling appropriate use of technology for learning becomes a student-led effort, increasing ownership and buy-in from students and parents for new technology initiatives.
Generation YES helped implement the world's first 1:1 program at the Methodist Ladies College in Melbourne Australia. Since then, districts around the world have discovered that the Generation YES model of Student Technology Leadership is a crucial component of effective technology integration.
The Model
Each student team is responsible for three major tasks at their school site:
Device Deployment (Laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc.)- Prepare devices
- Inventory devices
- Support Digital Citizenship
- Ensure students know why they are receiving devices
- Ensure students know consequences of misuse
- Monitor AUP compliance
- Update & add Apps
- Reset & sync devices
- Assist peers/adults to solve hardware/software problems
- Encourage peers to properly maintain their devices
- Meet learning goals
- Learn device features/content
- Align usage to CCSS
- Monitor student usage and set boundaries
- Work with vendors to integrate their applications and hardware
- Support project-based learning
- Ensure teachers/peers are technology literate
- Teach students how to organize their work and environment
- Monitor student work
- Use administrative software so teachers have more time to teach
- Bring new students up-to-speed
- Champion the academic uses of the device
Innovative Approach
Placing a laptop or tablet in the hands of all students without IT and teacher support is foolhardy. Hiring sufficient adults to support both existing school technology along with hundreds or thousands of new devices is too costly. Schools must turn to the students receiving these devices for help. The Generation YES approach of rigorously preparing a team of STLs is a perfect fit for providing this critical onsite support.
GenYES 1:1 brings together all stakeholders to create a powerful team that ensures learning goals are met.
Typical Stakeholders- STLs
- School Facilitators
- Teachers
- School Administrators
- Generation YES Staff
- Students
- Parents
- District Common Core Team
- Device Vendors
- External Evaluators
- STL Common Core Funders
To see the role of each stakeholder in GenYES 1:1 initiatives, click here
Content of a GenYES 1:1 Class or Club
Initial STL Training Prior to Deployment
Introductory STL Rally (2 hours)- STLs with Facilitators, parents, etc. will attend each rally to kick off the program, learn about being an STL, and celebrate their roles in the reform process. Speakers will include experienced STLs.
- An intensive camp where STLs will learn skills necessary to carry out their three roles. Day Camp staff would include IT staff, curriculum directors, experienced STLs, Generation YES staff, principals, teachers, vendors, and school facilitators.
- Accounts will be established and each STL will participate in discussions.
Ongoing STL Activities
Weekly Group Meetings for STL teams and school Facilitator- Discuss issues, needs, challenges, solutions, and suggestions
- Secondary STLs will take a Technology Leadership class. STLs will be scheduled in this class throughout the day (1-4 students per period) in order to supply necessary ongoing support to teachers and peers.
- Elementary school STLs will be in all grade 3 to 5 classes. These STLs will also assist PK-2 teachers and students during the day, breaks, and before and after school. STL activities can also be part of any existing gifted/talented program.
- The GenYES 1:1 STL Network will provide both synchronous and asynchronous communications for participating stakeholders and vendors.
- Teachers and students can use this network to ask STLs questions and request support.
- This council will meet once per month and consist of one STL representative from each school in the district or region. Program administrators, board, union, and community members will collaborate with and receive feedback from STLs in order to improve the program and ensure all goals will be met.
- Bi-weekly meetings with STLs, administrators, IT staff, available faculty, and others will take place to discuss progress, challenges, and what needs to be done to meet goals.
Curriculum
The GenYES 1:1 curriculum includes the basic GenYES curriculum along with an entire unit specifically addressing issues related to 1:1 implementation. Additionally, Generation YES can work with hardware and software vendors to create customized units that allow both STLs and students to learn, troubleshoot, and use these products.
Online Collaborative Tools
GenYES 1:1 includes a number of online tools that support the students, teachers, the facilitator, and the whole school. These tools are similar to those found in GenYES and TechYES and are available through a password-protected site accessible once a school obtains their license. The GenYES 1:1 online tools are fully hosted on a secure server, accessible through any browser, and require no downloads or special hardware or software.
Purchase Options
Due to variations in school size and the customizable options we offer, call (toll-free) at (888) 941-4369 to find out the cost for your school. Customizable options include:
- GenYES 1:1 kickoff events
- Summer or weekend STL camps
- Working with vendors
- Technology Literacy Certification
Sole Source Letter: This is a generic sole source letter If you need a customized letter, please call and we would be happy to help you.
GenYES 1:1 Facts
- Treats students as the solution and not the problem
- Strategy works at all grade levels
- Research-based
- 16 year track record
- Cost-effective 1:1 implementation strategy
- Provides rigorous technology elective
GenYES 1:1 Quotes
"The STL program promotes collaboration and helps the students develop their leadership skills. "In middle school I was shy to stand in front of an audience," says Mario Leon, a 9th grade STL at Alliance Environmental Science and Technology High School (ESAT), "but now I can communicate with my peers and show them how to do the projects we are assigned in class." Mario's fellow STL David Madrigal adds, "the other students give us respect - they know if they need help they can come to us.""
"We get to use a variety of programs like Prezie, and iMovie, we don't just do boring PowerPoint presentations," says Janet Zvniga, another STL at ESAT. The collaborative work environment, project-based approach to learning, and focus on innovative technology are all helping to shape Alliance students into future leaders."
Check out the whitepaper Student Support for 1:1 Initiatives! This article contains research, planning tips, case studies, and practical suggestions.