The Perceived Effectiveness of One-to-One Technology in Smallwood High School

Administrator, teacher, and student perceptions of one-to-one technology were studied in a single case study approach at one rural Midwest high school. Interviews were conducted with six teachers, two administrators, and a survey was given to 185 student participants. The data collected indicated that while participants perceived success with the one-to-one initiative, there were differing opinions on why they perceived the one-to-one initiative to be successful. Teacher and administrator participants discussed implementation strategies, professional development, community and parent involvement, and pedagogical changes in teaching practice. The student participant survey was designed around student perceptions of one-to-one technology and teacher usage of one-to-one technology. Smallwood High School has utilized three different devices in order to find the one that best suits their needs and expectations. Common themes appeared in effective implementation strategies, professional development, and community involvement. Results also revealed that while all participants viewed the one-to-one technology as successful there are areas of improvement that could be made to allow for continued and advanced success.