The VOI case studies were developed to provide real world examples for K-12decision makers as they assess the costs and evaluate the benefits of proposed technology investments - before making costly, time intensive decisions and commitments. The VOI studies are intended to provide school technology administrators and other educators with insight on best practices for making sound choices about education technology projects, and to better articulate the costs and benefits of these proposed projects.

Two Texas districts evaluated the costs (project TCO) and benefits of providing student mobile learning devices; one (Rockdale ISD) implemented iPod Touches and the other (Katy ISD) implemented 3G smart phones. Rockdale ISD also developed anticipated Costs and TCO for a proposed student provided device initiative for the high school. See the summary for these two case studies. The detailed case studies are available in myCoSN for CoSN members.

The Arizona school district is investigating two approaches to one-to-one student computing.
Postscript: Following their VOI study on ubiquitous student computing, this school district was better able to articulate the benefits of this expenditure to voters and a renewed bond issue was passed.

The Wisconsin case study district evaluated an investment in providing online learning as an alternative approach to traditional learning, as part of an effort to promote the concept of lifelong learning.

The Iowa district measured the costs and benefits of implementing formative assessment tools for primary school teachers to provide individualized instruction for improved student literacy.
 
The Regional Network case study explores the cost and benefits, from a school district perspective, of the availability of a regional high-speed network to a regional service agency and among the region's districts.

TCO One-to-one Case Studies

Prior to CoSN's VOI Leadership Initiative, CoSN has conducted three one-to-one student computing case studies focused on TCO, but which also explore the anticipated and actual benefits of these one-to-one projects. It was interesting to note that the school leaders were not able to articulate many measurable benefits.