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The Case Against 1:1 Devices: Learning to Share in a Digital World
- stevenm19
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 16
"All students are required to have a digital learning device."
So reads the website of a former school of mine - just one of many around the world embracing 1:1 device programs and BYOD policies. In many international schools, these initiatives have become the norm, bringing undeniable benefits along the way.
It’s impossible to ignore the impact of technology on education (and, let’s be honest, every aspect of our lives). Individual devices in the classroom open doors to personalised learning, making it easier than ever to adapt to students’ needs. Instant translation between hundreds of languages? Check. Customisable accessibility settings for every learner? Absolutely. Gamified, interactive experiences to boost engagement? You bet!
But what if, in our excitement over shiny new iPads, we’ve lost sight of what truly makes a classroom thrive? What if collaboration, communication, and creativity, the very foundations of meaningful learning, are taking a backseat to screens?
Learning through collaboration
It’s Tuesday morning, 9:30. After introducing my Year 6s to the concept of ‘variables’, I step back and let them take the lead, practising independently on code.org. Silence. As I look around, I feel fortunate to have such hard-working and motivated children around me each day. But something feels off. No one has said the word ‘variable’ out loud, let alone tried to explain it. There’s no buzz of discussion, no back-and-forth problem-solving, and the atmosphere is one of isolation, not collaboration.
Right then, I make a small but significant change: half of our glowing rectangles are removed, students join forces and authentic and dynamic conversations emerge: ‘Why isn’t this working?’ ‘Maybe you can try this’ ‘Let’s find another way to do it.’ The simple act of sharing a device has naturally encouraged effective communication and teamwork to solve a common goal. Not only that, but the computational thinking skills and technical vocabulary that we explored earlier in the lesson are being applied more and more confidently as students work through their assignment.
Interaction over individualism
Collaborative learning not only enhances students' critical thinking abilities but also strengthens their confidence and self-esteem. Working on group projects enriches the learning experience by reinforcing concepts while also developing social and interpersonal skills. Through teamwork, students learn to collaborate effectively with peers and build leadership qualities.
One way to take this even further is by pairing older students as "coding buddies" with younger learners. By teaching and explaining coding concepts to their peers, older students reinforce their own understanding, deepening their grasp of problem-solving and computational thinking. Meanwhile, younger students benefit from personalised support, developing their foundational coding skills in an encouraging, hands-on environment.
When working solo however, students are much more likely to become passive consumers rather than active participants in their learning. We’re also removing valuable opportunities to enhance the collaboration skills that are essential for their futures.
Of course, this isn’t to say that 1:1 devices are not of any value. Students in my class regularly use their iPads to translate conversations, access digital reading materials, or complete digital assessments. But it’s important to be mindful that these benefits don’t come at the expense of meaningful, face-to-face interactions. Finding the right balance between independent digital work and collaborative learning ensures we make the most of technology without losing what makes learning truly powerful.
More devices, more problems?
Of course, the most obvious issue with 1:1 devices is likely to have been in your mind since you started reading. Tech is expensive. All the more reason to carefully consider whether the investment really leads to better learning outcomes compared to shared resources, before diving headfirst into a 1:1 programme or asking parents to shell out $400 on an iPad for their child.
An alternative approach could be to invest in a suitable number of school-owned iPads that are efficiently timetabled and rotated between classes. This not only reduces costs significantly but also encourages more purposeful use of technology. Teachers are more likely to integrate devices when they are scheduled for specific, high-impact activities rather than defaulting to iPads for the sake of convenience.
Finding a balance
However, in an environment with a diverse set of needs and learning styles, the personal tablet takes some beating. Students with iPads, for example, have access to an expansive range of accessibility tools, including VoiceOver, Live Captions, Guided Access and Colour Filters, allowing each device to be customised to fit the unique learning needs of each student. But even in a 1:1 environment, collaboration can and should be a key part of learning. Examples of collaborative projects might include:
Coding buddies - One student controls a device while the other provides guidance, switching roles regularly
Shared research - Each student gathers information independently, then collaborates with a team to create a shared project.
Collaborative writing & editing – Use collaborative writing tools like Google Docs or Canva for shared note-taking, peer editing, or joint storytelling.
Collaborative whiteboards - Platforms like Canva Online Whiteboard and Figjam allow students to build ideas together in real time.
Device-free presentations - Research a topic using devices, but then present findings without them. This ensures research is transformed into discussion rather than just read aloud.
At its core, learning is social. It thrives on discussion, debate, and shared discovery. While 1:1 devices offer powerful tools for personalised learning, they should enhance collaboration, not replace it. If students are glued to their screens, working in isolation, we risk missing out on the most valuable aspects of education: communication, teamwork, and the joy of learning with and from others. The question isn’t "Should we use technology?" but rather "How can we use it to bring students closer together?" Let’s design classrooms where students don’t just consume content but engage, create, and collaborate - because that’s where real learning happens.
Collaboration Webinar
In a few weeks, I’ll be hosting a live webinar on using shared digital spaces to enhance student collaboration. Join my mailing list at primaryedtech.com/subscribe, and I’ll send you the details as soon as registration opens.
Free Guide: 5 Ways to Encourage Collaboration in the Classroom
Get practical strategies to foster teamwork and engagement in your digital classroom.
Explore More Collaboration Tools
Visit the Collaboration library for a curated collection of collaboration tools, platforms, and activity ideas to help you get started.
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