The Student Device Dilemma: Adoption, Impact, and the Role of School Boards

Imagine a school district rolling out or assessing an existing 1:1 device program, expecting a seamless transition to modern learning. Instead, they face a wave of resistance—teachers hesitant about implementation, parents worried about screen time, and school boards grappling with funding concerns. Despite these challenges, student device adoption is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘how well.’

The integration of personal learning devices—whether laptops, tablets, or AI-powered tools—has transformed classrooms by expanding access, increasing engagement, and bridging equity gaps. Yet, as schools move toward fully connected learning environments, assessing the true impact of these devices and securing school board buy-in remain critical.

As my most-read article, Modernization Meets Education, showed—audiences are eager for insights on digital transformation in schools. This time, let’s push the conversation further: How do we ensure that every device adoption strategy is effective, equitable, and sustainable?