One-to-One Technology in Schools: Benefits, Challenges, Best Practices

Roughly 88% of U.S. districts now provide devices to all middle and high school students. Yet new research from PC Locs reveals that 1-to-1 technology in schools is becoming harder to sustain.

According to The Hidden Costs of 1:1 Programs: What IT Leaders in Education Should Know — a 2025 white paper drawing on insights from 241 schools across the globe — almost 52% of school systems worry about the long-term viability of their programs.

As the demand for individual student devices continues to grow, the challenge has shifted. Schools and education departments are no longer preoccupied with simply distributing laptops and tablets; instead, they’re struggling to maintain the infrastructure, staffing and support systems needed to keep these devices operational.

This article explores the core advantages of one-to-one learning, uncovers the hidden operational risks, and highlights practical strategies to build a sustainable one-to-one technology program that endures.

TL;DR:

• Successful 1:1 programs depend on coordinated infrastructure — Wi-Fi, charging, storage, and repair — not just device distribution.
• Many schools have hardware in hand but lack the staffing, training, and workflows to support it at scale.
• Smart lockers and MDM tools help automate logistics, reduce classroom disruptions, and free IT teams for higher-impact tasks.
• Digital equity isn’t guaranteed by device access alone — digital citizenship, home connectivity, and device usage policies are critical to close the gap.

What are one-to-one devices in schools?

One-to-one (1:1) technology is a learning model in which each student is issued a dedicated laptop or tablet for use at school and at home. The goal is consistent, individualised access to digital tools that support instruction, collaboration and curriculum delivery.

Unlike shared device carts or classroom-only systems, 1:1 programs are designed with equity at their core — ensuring every learner begins with the same opportunities for participation and engagement. However, distributing devices is only the first step. True success lies in the foundation that supports them: reliable infrastructure, comprehensive training, and clear policies that keep the system running seamlessly.

Benefits of 1-to-1 devices in schools

When supported by the right infrastructure and practices, 1:1 programs help close digital equity gaps, enable personalised instruction, and offer teachers paths to adapt approaches to learners with varying needs.

Improved student engagement

With dedicated devices, students can interact with teachers through videos, live polls, and digital simulations — tools that often drive deeper focus and participation than lecture alone. In fact, recent surveys show that 76% of students say technology makes learning more engaging.

Personalised learning

Individual devices allow teachers to tailor assignments based on each student’s skill level — offering enrichment opportunities for advanced learners while providing focused support to those who need extra help.  A 2024 analysis of adaptive learning research found that 59% of adaptive learning studies reported improved academic performance, and 36% showed increased student engagement.

Digital equity

1-to-1 technologies help close access gaps between students by income level, ensuring all learners can engage with online homework, assessments, and class materials regardless of their home environment.

“...there are a lot of districts across the U.S and especially mine which is a one-to-one district so all of our students have access to technology.” — Laura Hess, executive director of special education at St. Vrain Valley Schools in Colorado, on a podcast for Focus on EDU.

Teamwork

In a one-to-one classroom, dedicated devices enable students to access shared docs, virtual whiteboards, and real-time chat, making it easier to collaborate, exchange feedback, and complete group projects. A 2025 meta-analysis published in Nature Humanities and Social Sciences Communications found that classroom collaboration with devices in groups of 2–3 students significantly promotes students’ learning. However, the success of these digital collaborations depends on stable internet access, clear expectations, and the thoughtful integration of technology that genuinely supports learning.

Main challenges of 1:1 device management in schools

Managing a one-to-one technology program involves far more than distributing devices. Schools face a complex web of challenges — from strained budgets and unreliable infrastructure to cybersecurity threats and uneven levels of digital readiness among students and staff. These factors can quickly erode the advantages that 1:1 technology promises.

• Budget constraints. With some states proposing cuts of nearly 70% to core K–12 funding, financial stability remains a moving target. Tight budgets make it difficult for primary and secondary schools to sustain long-term investments in devices, repairs, and technical support.
  
  
• Infrastructure needs. Although 74% of districts now meet the 1 Mbps-per-student benchmark — a remarkable leap from just 8% in 2015 — more than a quarter of schools still lack the robust edtech infrastructure required for effective device management. Gaps in Wi-Fi coverage, charging access, and bandwidth can all limit the potential of digital learning.
  
  
• Cybersecurity risks. Between July 2023 and December 2024, an alarming 82% of K–12 organisations experienced cyber incidents, including more than 9,300 confirmed data breaches. As schools become increasingly digital, protecting sensitive information and maintaining secure learning environments has never been more critical.
  
  
• Digital citizenship training. Technology integration means little without responsible use. A 2025 ISTE survey revealed that while 98% of educators consider digital citizenship essential, only 36% say it’s being meaningfully prioritised in their schools. This gap highlights the ongoing need for structured education around online safety, ethics, and digital responsibility.

Beyond infrastructure and funding, our white paper identifies five hidden cost drivers undermining district 1:1 initiatives — from device breakage and inefficient loaner processes to tracking, accountability issues, and more. 

For instance, 60% of districts manage up to 10 broken devices per week, and nearly half struggle with manual loaner processes that consume valuable teaching and IT time.

To explore these “hidden costs” in depth and discover practical solutions, read the full PC Locs white paper.

Efficient 1:1 device management in primary and secondary schools

Effective 1:1 device management requires careful planning, ongoing coordination and clear accountability. That includes aligning procurement with long-term needs, tracking device lifecycle data, standardising deployment and updates, and training staff to manage systems with confidence.

Procurement and inventory control

Smart procurement starts with understanding the total cost of ownership of devices. It typically includes maintenance, repairs, training, and lifecycle planning. To manage device assets efficiently:

• Centralise purchases using asset tagging and bulk deployment
• Maintain a digital inventory linked to student and staff IDs
• Track each device’s location, condition, and warranty status
• Keep detailed records of repairs, checkouts, and returns to reduce losses and misuse

Deployment and configuration

Device setup is often more time-intensive than it seems. Without a clear process, configuration errors can create vulnerabilities and delays that snowball as programs scale.

Best practices to streamline deployment include:

• Pre-configuring devices using a mobile device management (MDM) solution
• Batch imaging and app installation before distribution
• Applying consistent settings for firewalls, filters, and app permissions

Ongoing maintenance and updates

Without routine upkeep, devices can quickly become outdated, and many schools lack the IT staff to keep up. To stay ahead of issues:

• Schedule monthly operating system and app updates
• Use MDM dashboards to monitor device performance at scale
• Offer in-person or help-desk repair options to minimise downtime
• Leverage Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) tools for remote troubleshooting

End-of-life recycling or reassignment

What happens when a device reaches the end of its usable life? Many schools still lack a structured approach to a secure and sustainable approach to the full device lifecycle.

Common best practices include:

• Securely wiping student data before reuse or disposal
• Donating or recycling devices through certified e-waste providers
• Reassigning refurbished devices to younger year levels or support staff

Staff professional development

Technology only works when staff know how to use it — and feel confident doing so. Yet 41% schools don’t have a full-time instructional coach in every school, and training is often rushed or superficial.

To close the gap in instructional technology leadership:

• Deliver hands-on device training during scheduled professional development hours
• Encourage peer-led workshops focused on integrating devices in the classroom
• Create internal “how-to” libraries for tasks like password resets or app installs

How 1-to-1 device management in schools supports modern teaching

With strong infrastructure, well-prepared teachers, and engaged students, the impact of 1:1 device programs is substantial:

• Teachers can confidently tailor instruction using adaptive tools.
• Students collaborate in real time using shared platforms.
• Engagement rises when multimedia is used purposefully — and when classrooms have reliable Wi-Fi and teachers feel supported to take instructional risks.
• Device settings, MDM tools, and smart lockers make classroom management smoother.
• Blended learning thrives when systems connect school and home. 

Real-world examples of effective 1:1 device management

As schools continue expanding their digital ecosystems, one key piece of infrastructure often making the biggest impact isn’t in the classroom — it’s in the hallway. Across districts, smart lockers are transforming device management from a daily administrative headache into a seamless, student-led process.

• Take Goodpasture Christian School, for example. With 1,000 students and just one tech director, the morning scramble for loaner devices had become a full-blown crisis. The implementation of smart lockers completely reshaped their workflow. Students now check out and return devices independently, with every transaction automatically logged and tracked. What was once chaos is now a model of efficiency.
  
  
• At Pittwater House, the challenge was different: dead batteries and a chronic shortage of chargers. By adopting smart lockers equipped with built-in USB charging ports, the school eliminated its help-desk backlog overnight. Students gained reliable access to charged devices, and IT teams reclaimed valuable time once spent on routine fixes.
  
  
• The Brasher Falls Central School District offers yet another compelling example. Its IT team previously lost 2.5 hours each day managing manual loaner requests. After introducing smart lockers, that time dropped to just 30 minutes daily — an 80% reduction in administrative workload. The change not only streamlined operations but also allowed staff to refocus on strategic technology initiatives that directly benefit students and teachers.

Together, these success stories illustrate how investing in the right infrastructure — especially automated smart locker systems — can dramatically improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and create a more sustainable 1:1 device management ecosystem.

Implementation checklist for school leaders

This checklist outlines the essential phases of launching and sustaining a successful 1:1 device program, based on real-world insights from schools and IT leaders who’ve been through school 1:1 device management before.

Next steps: Managing your 1:1 program with PC Locs

Whether your district is just beginning its 1:1 journey or looking to bring greater order to an existing program, PC Locs can help you take back control.

Our FUYL™ Smart Locker solutions are designed to support school district 1:1 device management at scale — making it simple for students to check out loaners, return damaged devices, and get back to class without adding to IT workloads. By automating everyday processes, schools save time, reduce stress on staff, and keep learning uninterrupted.

With more than 15,000 schools worldwide relying on PC Locs to manage their 1:1 device programs efficiently and sustainably, we’re ready to help your district do the same.

Contact us today to discover how PC Locs can simplify device management for your school community.

Key takeaways

• A successful 1:1 device program depends on planning, support systems, staff training, and infrastructure such as smart lockers.
• Challenges such as budgeting, repairs, and digital equity can be addressed with thoughtful policies and reliable tools.
• Schools that implement device management solutions see measurable improvements in efficiency, accountability, and instructional time.
• When implemented effectively, 1:1 programs improve student engagement, enable personalized instruction, and simplify real-time collaboration across classrooms.

FAQs

What is a one-to-one technology initiative?

A 1:1 initiative provides each student with a dedicated school-issued device — typically a Chromebook or tablet — for use in class and at home. It aims to support instruction, collaboration, and access to digital resources.

What types of devices are commonly used in schools?

Most districts issue Chromebooks, iPads, or lightweight laptops, depending on year level, budget, and instructional goals. Chromebooks are often preferred for their low cost and ease of management.

How do schools manage device repairs or replacements?

Many districts use systems like smart lockers to manage device swaps and track loaners. Repairs are handled either in-house by IT teams or through vendor service contracts.

What happens if a student loses or damages their device?

Schools typically outline replacement terms in their device lending policies, which may include repair fees, insurance options, or temporary loaners depending on severity and context.

Is internet access provided with one-to-one devices?

Some districts offer filtered mobile hotspots or 4G LTE-enabled devices to students without reliable internet at home. However, this varies by funding and local broadband availability.

Why do all students need school-issued devices instead of their own?

School-issued devices ensure standardisation, easier tech support, and compliance with filtering, accessibility, and security policies. Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) setups are not always compatible with schools’ digital systems. Moreover, BYOD can lead to equity issues when students from low-income families don’t have their own devices. 

How do schools address digital citizenship and online safety?

Many districts incorporate digital citizenship lessons that teach students how to navigate online spaces responsibly, securely, and respectfully.