| The purpose of the case study was to explore how one rural elementary school implemented a one to one (1:1) iPad initiative with a focus on leadership. The distributed leadership model provides the framework for this research. The idea that the transformation of schools falls on one leader is impractical and unattainable (Elmore, 2004; Gronn & Rawlings-Sanaei, 2003). Using the distributed leadership model places the success or failure of change on the collective leaders, including the administration and teaching staff. Jones, Harvey, Lefoe, and Ryland (2013) stated, "Distributed leadership for learning and teaching is a leadership approach in which collaborative working is undertaken between individuals who trust and respect each other's contribution" (p. 21). The primary data source for the study was semi-structured interviews with administrators and teachers in one rural elementary school. The findings the study yielded intend to contribute to the currently limited body of knowledge pertaining to implementing 1:1 computing initiatives, specifically the iPad in the elementary level. Using the distributed leadership model, this study examined the role of leaders, administrative staff and teachers, when implementing a 1:1 iPad initiative. The researcher identified four emerging themes that are vital to the implementation process, namely: time, access, technical support, and professional development. Results indicate that successfully implementing a 1:1 iPad program in the rural elementary school studied requires advanced planning which provides sufficient time for the leaders not only to obtain new skills, but also to research and explore the vast potential of such technology in an environment where technical assistance is available within reasonable time constraints. |
