Sustainability of One-to-One Devices in Education
Background
Original platform: LinkedIn
Created: 4 April 2024
Published: 4 April 2024
Overview
The True Cost of Education: Affordability vs Value for Money
This work began as a side project exploring the long-term sustainability of one-to-one devices in education.
It quickly became clear that affordability is not the real issue. In most cases, schools already have the funding routes needed to support one-to-one devices, alongside the digital infrastructure and connectivity required to make them work.
So if cost alone is not the blocker, why don’t all schools adopt one-to-one?
The answer is value for money.
Affordability vs Value for Money
The word affordable can be misleading.
If funds exist or can be found, almost anything can be labelled affordable.
That doesn’t make it a good decision.
What really matters is the value gained from the investment.
Key questions schools need to ask include:
Does the technology improve the learning experience?
Does it lead to better educational outcomes?
Are there long-term benefits that justify the upfront cost?
Value for money goes beyond price. It includes:
Quality and durability
Relevance to teaching and learning
Lifespan of the device
Tangible and intangible returns
A higher-quality device that lasts longer and supports a wide range of learning may represent better value than a cheaper option that needs frequent replacement.
Perceptions of value also differ.
Parents, teachers, students, IT teams, and leaders often prioritise different things. That’s why collaboration and shared understanding are essential.
Why Schools Hesitate
In practice, many schools hesitate to adopt one-to-one not because of cost, but because:
Proving value for money feels complex
Evidence can feel hard to gather
Change feels risky
Existing systems feel “good enough”
There can also be resistance to change.
Traditional teaching methods feel familiar. Infrastructure change feels daunting. Capacity is questioned.
These concerns are understandable, but they should be challenged thoughtfully rather than accepted by default.
The Three Core Benefits of One-to-One
Through research and professional discussions, the benefits of one-to-one devices consistently fall into three areas.
1. Equity of Access and Fairness
All students have equal access to digital tools
Socio-economic barriers are reduced
Teachers can plan lessons knowing every student has the same access
Students can collaborate without compatibility issues
For IT teams:
Single device types simplify deployment and management
Security policies are easier to enforce
Support and documentation are standardised
Economies of scale reduce costs
2. Improving Student Outcomes
Increased engagement
Personalised learning
Support for different learning styles
Evidence of gains in reading, writing, and maths
Better access to learning tools and safe resources
3. Preparing Students for the Future
Digital literacy is no longer optional.
One-to-one devices help students:
Build confidence with technology
Develop skills needed for further education and employment
Engage safely and effectively with modern tools, including AI
Strategy Before Technology
A one-to-one scheme should never be a purely operational decision.
Before starting, schools must clearly articulate:
Why they are doing it
What success looks like
How it aligns with educational goals
Clarity drives:
Value for money
Accountability
Long-term impact
This is a change project, not just a device rollout.
Summary
This project highlighted a critical distinction between affordability and value for money.
Schools should not rule out one-to-one based on cost alone
The real challenge is demonstrating and agreeing value
Benefits consistently align to three pillars:
Equity and fairness
Improved outcomes
Future readiness
When approached strategically, one-to-one devices can be a powerful enabler of learning rather than a financial risk.
Footnotes
Footnote 1
This project began as a personal side project, carried out in my own time. It grew into something much larger and demanded significant commitment. With the research now complete, I’ve chosen to pause it for the time being. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed their time and insights.
Footnote 2
I have experience supporting organisations through large-scale change. If you are considering a one-to-one journey and want support navigating the complexity, feel free to get in touch.
Footnote 3
I also host a podcast called EdTech Stuff.
If you’d like to feature on it and talk about a subject you’re passionate about, please reach out using this form.