Making the right decisions: leadership in 1‐to‐1 computing in education

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail the necessity for more informed decision making and leadership in the implementation of 1‐to‐1 computing in education.

Design/methodology/approach

The contexts of high‐tech countries of Singapore and Japan are used as case studies to contextualize and support four evidence‐based recommendations for “true”, “principled” and “right” leadership in technology integration in educational institutes.

Findings

The cases of Singapore and Japan reveal different stages of technology implementation in education. Singapore has a broad, government‐backed vision for technology integration and has invested heavily in infrastructure and human capital. However, the paper highlights how the benefits of 1‐to‐1 computing are not easily recognizable in practice and its implementation does not fit well into schools’ strategic plans. Japanese education, on the other hand, has low technology utilization in its schools and subsequently produces graduates who lack basic digital and technological literacy skills.

Practical implications

For success in 1‐to‐1 computing, education managers must provide sustained and informed leadership whilst facilitating an environment where all involved continually communicate and appraise their progress.

Originality/value

The paper offers four evidence‐based recommendations for education leaders. Making right decisions requires education leaders to acknowledge the shift of epistemic and technological expertise that exists in and beyond the classroom, actively encourage teachers to communicate their curriculum, assessment and pedagogical intentions with management and administrators, support the partnering of students with staff in task design, provide space and time for staff to openly discuss progress, and provide a range of potential pedagogical and technological benchmarks.

Citation

Towndrow, P.A. and Vallance, M. (2013), "Making the right decisions: leadership in 1‐to‐1 computing in education", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 260-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513541311306477