The New Normal in 1:1 Device Management in K-12 Schools

Think about your last school year kickoff. Did the device handoff feel rushed and chaotic? Were you receiving emails about broken chargers by week three? These are real, daily headaches that come with 1:1 device management in K-12 schools.

Classrooms have changed in so many ways over the years – students now have access to their own tablets and laptops rather than the previous use of overhead projectors and chalkboards. While more devices and technology tools are great, they bring their own set of challenges.

Here are nine straightforward strategies to make things more manageable and less stressful:

1. Build a shared vision around technology use.

• Involve librarians, tech teams, curriculum leaders, and classroom teachers in planning.
• A shared vision is important because everyone’s needs are met!

2. Create a plan for device sharing and returns.

• Keep it simple: create a clear checkout/check-in process.
• Track your students’ devices so you know what is going where.

3. Don’t skip the inventory system.

• Educators appreciate knowing where resources are.
• Keep track of overdue devices.

4. Offer ongoing support.

• Suggest regular refreshers.
• Talk about technology fatigue and overwhelm.

5. Use data to guide decisions.

• Encourage teams to check usage data and reports.
• Are some devices never used? Maybe there’s a better fit.

6. Make room for students’ voices.

• Let students give feedback about what tools work for them.
• Share easy ways to collect input (surveys, suggestion boxes, polls, etc.).

7. Prioritize equity in access and learning.

• Keep in mind that not all students come to school with the same understanding of technology.
• Encourage device loans and partnerships for internet access.

8. Keep communication flowing.

• Regular updates keep your staff informed and included.
• Highlight ways to involve the community – families want to understand how technology supports learning.

9. Automate the repeatable stuff.

• Manual entry? No thanks.
• Use mobile device management tools to sync student/device data automatically.
• Save time and reduce errors.

Keep progress simple and sustainable.

Technology isn’t going away, and 1:1 device management in K-12 schools doesn’t have to be stressful. Even adopting one or two of these strategies can help your school or library feel more organized.

Ready to make device management easier?

See how Follett Destiny® Resource Manager can help you track and simplify your school’s technology workflows – especially across K-12 school districts.

Watch a quick interactive demo to explore how it works in real time.