Parents’ expectations, perceptions and concerns when schools implement a 1:1 program

Implementing successful one-to-one computer programs where all students have access to mobile devices throughout the school day requires major stakeholders such as students, teachers and parents to support the initiative. However, parents are often the silent stakeholder when 1:1 programs are initiated and there is limited literature that explores their expectations, perceptions and concerns. In this longitudinal study, based at one school, 121 parents were surveyed across four years using a mixed methodology. The data collected consisted of qualitative interview data and questionnaires to provide quantitative responses. This enabled an exploration of the effect of the 1:1 program as reported by parents themselves as well as the examination of a range of related issues, such as the use of the devices and issues about the implementation of the program. The findings provided insight, through the lens of the parents, into how the 1:1 program was deployed. Three trends emerged from the study: a lack of understanding by parents of how their child would learn with the device, their belief that the mobile devices did not assist the child to be motivated, and that the devices were a distraction both at school and at home. The paper concludes with recommendations for the successful implementation of a 1:1 program to alleviate parental concerns and ensure that they are an equal stakeholder in these program. Further research needs to be undertaken about parental perspectives, expectations and concerns of 1:1 programs.