During recent decades the educational community around the world has witnessed an increasing interest in programmes aiming at providing teachers as well as learners of all ages with direct access to personal computing devices and the vast amount of information such provision enables. These types of programmes are known as “one-to- one computing”, a term that indicates a very widespread distribution of computers in educational settings. Research into such patterns of provision has accordingly become a priority. Understandably, the realities of one-to-one programme implementation vary considerably across the nations, since cultural setting, educational system, customs of technology use and teachers’ experiences are all significant aspects that influence the process. However, there can be certain commonalities across all these aspects in countries whose educational systems have a largely shared history, as is the case in the former Soviet Union states. Azerbaijan’s experience in the field, as one of the countries with a post-soviet educational system going through curriculum reforms, was very attractive for a comprehensive study with the primary focus on identifying the factors influencing the infusion of one-to-one computing into learning and teaching. The research question developed for this study was: “What factors influence the integration of one-to-one computing into teaching and learning?” Qualitative research methods were used to gather data at three purposively selected schools, two in the capital city of Baku and one in a provincial town. The research data were collected by conducting classroom observations, interviews and focus group discussions with main stakeholders of the programme allowing for investigation of students’, teachers’ and parents’ experiences throughout the implementation process. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach the gathered data were analyzed in two major stages: the first one employed the ‘helicopter view’ approach to attain a preliminary picture, followed by the process of coding, memo-writing and analysis. The second stage of the analysis resulted in a thematic summary into teacher, student and classroom-dynamics-related categories. The findings revealed that the students were the most enthusiastic about the changes brought to the learning process with the introduction of the lightweight, small and inexpensive devices, commonly known as netbooks. The students improved their technological skills and knowledge and applied these skills in acquiring domain knowledge. By providing students with netbooks, the one-to-one programme introduced anytime, anywhere, and individualized learning opportunities. The study also revealed that the introduction of netbooks was leading to students developing collaborative learning skills. In addition, the study found that most of the teachers were developing new teaching methods to continue the programme implementation. They invested extra time and worked hard, notwithstanding the lack of guidelines both on the integration of technology with pedagogy and on meeting newly-set National Curriculum standards. Some teachers overcame the technological challenges that arose along the way eagerly, while others used them as an excuse to discontinue the programme implementation. The parents’ opinions varied considerably, some of them supported the innovation, while others considered the frequent usage of technology excessive, unnecessary and potentially damaging to their children’s health. The latter group of parents expected their children to be taught similarly to them, with a primary focus on the development of handwriting and speaking skills as well as the habits of reading printed books. The research has identified eight major factors influencing the integration of one-to-one computing into teaching and learning: embedding ICT in the curriculum, fostering of exploratory learning, student satisfaction, new learning practices, professional development, school leadership support, teacher beliefs and parental support. Most importantly, the findings have revealed the importance of addressing teacher professional development in terms of integrating technology with pedagogy and meeting curriculum standards through technology-infused teaching methods. These factors indicate the improvements needed for successful programme implementation. It is hoped that the results can be adopted by educational leaders to inform their decisions on one-to-one programmes, thereby contributing to successful integration.

Abstract This single, embedded case study focused on educators’ experiences of educational change as they adopted, implemented, and sustained a one-to-one computing innovation over 20 years. The purpose of the study was to explore the innovativeness, the capacity of a school community to take on change for continuous educational improvement over time. Through interviews and focus groups with administrators, teachers, students, and graduates, observations of current classroom practices, and archival data, the study provides an understanding of how individuals experienced change and how a school sustained change over an exceptionally long period of time. Data analysis revealed multiple rationales for the implementation of one-to-one computing, including the development of a constructivist environment, the empowerment of women, preparation of students for college and the 21st century work force, and the need to keep the school’s educational program on the “cutting-edge.” The study of this individual school community suggests the importance of a strong educational philosophy, flexibility of implementation, an environment that encourages risk-taking, and collegiality. The study also demonstrates that change occurred on a continuum and continued to progress as hardware, software, and the Internet evolved, and as faculty became more knowledgeable of the application of the program to teaching and learning.

The use of laptops, interactive whiteboards and the Internet is step-by-step working it’s way into Swedish schools. The aim of this study is to investigate the attitudes of teachers towards using IT-related tools in their teaching. How are the tools given used as mediating tools, what new methods do the teachers find themselves discovering while using these, how do the teachers feel about digital teaching platforms and how do the IT-related tools affect students language progression? These are all questions that this study is meant to answer. Six teachers in a municipality in the north of Sweden were interviewed about how they use IT-related tools. Two worked with kids between ages 12-15 and four of the teachers worked with kids approximately between ages 16- 18. While some teachers were rather keen on using the tools it appeared that some teachers were not all that comfortable with using them. According to the Swedish curriculum, teachers are supposed to be able to guide students in using IT and digital media for several things and therefore it is important that teachers know how to use the tools themselves. According to older studies, the way to improve the use of IT-tools is by prioritizing education in using them. Teaching teachers the methods and making sure they feel safe with the new technology.

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One-to-one computing initiatives are becoming a part of many school divisions across the United States as district leadership analyzes ways to improve student learning and create 21st century learning spaces. Studying how school divisions planned, prepared, implemented and sustained a one-to-one computing initiative is an important step that school leaders must do in order to help foster learning environments that promote critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. The research presented in this paper came from a case study conducted on City School District (CSD), a kindergarten through twelfth (K-12) grade school system that implemented a one-one computing initiative for all students. A detailed analysis of archived meeting minutes, surveys, questionnaires, classroom observations, student assessments and interviews helped answer research questions that focused on the planning, implementation, and plans for sustaining the one-to-one computing initiative. The one-to-one computing initiative for CSD started with a vision created by the superintendent of schools that focused on developing an individualized education plan for all students. The vision eventually became the vision for the entire school division during the digital conversion. School leaders can use the studies' findings and recommendations to help guide them through the implementation of a one-to-one computing initiative. / Doctor of Education / Providing an electronic mobile device such as a laptop or tablet computer to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade school system is an undertaking that requires a coordinated effort from the school division’s leadership as well as the teachers, students and other community stakeholders. Beginning in 2013, City School District (CSD) began the planning process for providing every student in their school system with electronic mobile devices. After five years of planning, implementing, conducting pilot programs and expansion, CSD has been able to provide all students in grades 3-12 with an electronic mobile device. This case study focuses on three research questions. 1. How did the school division implement a one-to-one computing initiative? 2. How has the staff adapted to the innovative change of a one-to-one computing initiative? 3. How does the school division plan to continue and sustain the one-to-one computing initiative? The case study found key elements for implementing a one-to-one computing initiative by collecting data from archived meeting minutes, surveys, questionnaires and interviews. School leadership teams attempting a one-to-one computing initiative can use the findings and recommendations from this study to implement a one-to-one computing initiative.

L’intégration des TIC a connu un essor considérable dans les dernières années et des chercheurs à travers le monde y accordent une importance sans cesse croissante ; le sujet des TIC en éducation est ainsi répandu au sein des écrits depuis maintenant plusieurs années (Istance & Kools, 2013; Storz & Hoffman, 2013). Dans un monde où les technologies sont omniprésentes dans la plupart des sphères d’activités, il ne s’agit plus de savoir si les technologies doivent être intégrées dans les activités d’enseignement et d’apprentissage, mais bien de quelle façon elles doivent l’être. Comme les TIC présentent de nombreux avantages, notamment en ce qui concerne la motivation scolaire et la réduction du fossé numérique, les différents intervenants du monde de l’éducation sont généralement conscients de l’importance de bien utiliser les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) en éducation, mais ne savent pas toujours par où commencer. La présente recherche s’intéresse à une forme particulière d’intégration des TIC en éducation, soit les projets portables. Les projets portables se différencient par le fait que l’enseignant et chaque élève disposent de leur propre ordinateur portable dans le but d’une utilisation pédagogique. Cette thèse de doctorat tente de détailler, à travers un langage clair et accessible, les défis qu’il est possible de rencontrer à l’intérieur de tels projets, de même que ce qui peut être fait pour en limiter les impacts. En vue de déterminer les conditions pouvant favoriser le succès global des projets portables au Québec, voire ailleurs, une recension des écrits exhaustive a permis de relever quatre catégories de facteurs principales dans lesquelles l’ensemble des défis identifiés semblent pouvoir être classés : les facteurs relatifs à la gestion du projet, les facteurs internes à l’enseignant, les facteurs relatifs au cadre de travail de même que les facteurs relatifs à l’infrastructure et au matériel. Ces diverses catégories de facteurs sont abordées en détails à l’intérieur du cadre théorique de cette thèse de doctorat. En vue d’atteindre les objectifs, un questionnaire a été mis au point et plus de 300 enseignants d’une commission scolaire où a lieu un projet portable à grand déploiement y ont répondu. Les données de nature mixte (données quantitatives et qualitatives) ont été analysées à l’aide de logiciels spécialisés et ceci a permis de vérifier la pertinence des éléments rencontrés dans la recension des écrits, de même que d’en découvrir de nouveaux. Il a été trouvé que de nombreux défis sont susceptibles d’être rencontrés. Les plus importants ont trait à la qualité du matériel utilisé, à l’importance de la formation des enseignants relativement aux TIC, et à l’importance de mettre au point une vision claire assurant la pleine adhésion des enseignants. Il a aussi été déterminé que l’enseignant doit pouvoir accéder à un soutien pédagogique ainsi qu’à un soutien technique facilement. Enfin, il a été découvert que la nature des projets à grand déploiement fait en sorte qu’il importe de porter une attention particulière aux besoins locaux des enseignants, qui peuvent varier selon le contexte de travail de ceux-ci. / ICT integration in education has grown considerably in the recent years, and researchers around the world have devoted it an increasing interest; the subject of ICT in education has now been prevalent within the literature for many years (Istance & Kools, 2013; Storz & Hoffman, 2013). In a world where technologies are ubiquitous in most spheres of activity, it is no longer whether technology should be integrated in education, but rather how it should be. As ICT have proven to offer many advantages, especially regarding student motivation and engagement, and also in reducing the digital divide, the various stakeholders in education are generally aware of the importance of using information and communication technologies (ICT) in education, but do not always know where to start. This thesis focuses on a particular form of integration of ICT in education, mainly referred to as “one-to-one computing projects” or “1:1 projects”. Those projects differ in that the teacher and each student have their own laptop for use in an educational context. This thesis attempts to show, through a clear and accessible language, the challenges that may be encountered in such projects, as well as what can be done to limit their negative impacts. In order to determine the conditions that promote the overall success of one-to-one computing projects in Quebec, or even elsewhere, a comprehensive literature review has identified four main categories of factors in which the identified challenges may be classified: factors related to the project management, factors that are internal to the teacher, factors related to their work environment as well as factors related to the infrastructure and equipment. Those diverse categories of factors are discussed in detail within the theoretical framework of this thesis. In order to achieve the objectives, a questionnaire was developed and more than 300 teachers of a school board currently involved in a large-scale one-to-one computing project have responded. The mixed data (quantitative as well as qualitative) that came out of the questionnaire was analyzed using specialized software and this has allowed to verify the relevance of the challenges found in the literature review, and it allowed the finding of new additional elements. It has been found that many challenges are likely to be encountered. The most significant ones are the quality of the equipment used, the importance of teacher training in relation to ICT and the importance of developing a clear vision to ensure the full support of teachers. It was also determined that the teachers should have access to pedagogical support as well as technical support easily. Finally, it was found that the nature of large-scale one-to-one computing projects is such that it is important to take into account the local needs of teachers, which may vary depending on the context in which they work.

L’intégration des TIC a connu un essor considérable dans les dernières années et des chercheurs à travers le monde y accordent une importance sans cesse croissante ; le sujet des TIC en éducation est ainsi répandu au sein des écrits depuis maintenant plusieurs années (Istance & Kools, 2013; Storz & Hoffman, 2013). Dans un monde où les technologies sont omniprésentes dans la plupart des sphères d’activités, il ne s’agit plus de savoir si les technologies doivent être intégrées dans les activités d’enseignement et d’apprentissage, mais bien de quelle façon elles doivent l’être. Comme les TIC présentent de nombreux avantages, notamment en ce qui concerne la motivation scolaire et la réduction du fossé numérique, les différents intervenants du monde de l’éducation sont généralement conscients de l’importance de bien utiliser les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) en éducation, mais ne savent pas toujours par où commencer. La présente recherche s’intéresse à une forme particulière d’intégration des TIC en éducation, soit les projets portables. Les projets portables se différencient par le fait que l’enseignant et chaque élève disposent de leur propre ordinateur portable dans le but d’une utilisation pédagogique. Cette thèse de doctorat tente de détailler, à travers un langage clair et accessible, les défis qu’il est possible de rencontrer à l’intérieur de tels projets, de même que ce qui peut être fait pour en limiter les impacts. En vue de déterminer les conditions pouvant favoriser le succès global des projets portables au Québec, voire ailleurs, une recension des écrits exhaustive a permis de relever quatre catégories de facteurs principales dans lesquelles l’ensemble des défis identifiés semblent pouvoir être classés : les facteurs relatifs à la gestion du projet, les facteurs internes à l’enseignant, les facteurs relatifs au cadre de travail de même que les facteurs relatifs à l’infrastructure et au matériel. Ces diverses catégories de facteurs sont abordées en détails à l’intérieur du cadre théorique de cette thèse de doctorat. En vue d’atteindre les objectifs, un questionnaire a été mis au point et plus de 300 enseignants d’une commission scolaire où a lieu un projet portable à grand déploiement y ont répondu. Les données de nature mixte (données quantitatives et qualitatives) ont été analysées à l’aide de logiciels spécialisés et ceci a permis de vérifier la pertinence des éléments rencontrés dans la recension des écrits, de même que d’en découvrir de nouveaux. Il a été trouvé que de nombreux défis sont susceptibles d’être rencontrés. Les plus importants ont trait à la qualité du matériel utilisé, à l’importance de la formation des enseignants relativement aux TIC, et à l’importance de mettre au point une vision claire assurant la pleine adhésion des enseignants. Il a aussi été déterminé que l’enseignant doit pouvoir accéder à un soutien pédagogique ainsi qu’à un soutien technique facilement. Enfin, il a été découvert que la nature des projets à grand déploiement fait en sorte qu’il importe de porter une attention particulière aux besoins locaux des enseignants, qui peuvent varier selon le contexte de travail de ceux-ci. / ICT integration in education has grown considerably in the recent years, and researchers around the world have devoted it an increasing interest; the subject of ICT in education has now been prevalent within the literature for many years (Istance & Kools, 2013; Storz & Hoffman, 2013). In a world where technologies are ubiquitous in most spheres of activity, it is no longer whether technology should be integrated in education, but rather how it should be. As ICT have proven to offer many advantages, especially regarding student motivation and engagement, and also in reducing the digital divide, the various stakeholders in education are generally aware of the importance of using information and communication technologies (ICT) in education, but do not always know where to start. This thesis focuses on a particular form of integration of ICT in education, mainly referred to as “one-to-one computing projects” or “1:1 projects”. Those projects differ in that the teacher and each student have their own laptop for use in an educational context. This thesis attempts to show, through a clear and accessible language, the challenges that may be encountered in such projects, as well as what can be done to limit their negative impacts. In order to determine the conditions that promote the overall success of one-to-one computing projects in Quebec, or even elsewhere, a comprehensive literature review has identified four main categories of factors in which the identified challenges may be classified: factors related to the project management, factors that are internal to the teacher, factors related to their work environment as well as factors related to the infrastructure and equipment. Those diverse categories of factors are discussed in detail within the theoretical framework of this thesis. In order to achieve the objectives, a questionnaire was developed and more than 300 teachers of a school board currently involved in a large-scale one-to-one computing project have responded. The mixed data (quantitative as well as qualitative) that came out of the questionnaire was analyzed using specialized software and this has allowed to verify the relevance of the challenges found in the literature review, and it allowed the finding of new additional elements. It has been found that many challenges are likely to be encountered. The most significant ones are the quality of the equipment used, the importance of teacher training in relation to ICT and the importance of developing a clear vision to ensure the full support of teachers. It was also determined that the teachers should have access to pedagogical support as well as technical support easily. Finally, it was found that the nature of large-scale one-to-one computing projects is such that it is important to take into account the local needs of teachers, which may vary depending on the context in which they work.

Today's classroom is evolving on a myriad of levels. As class size increases, learning space decreases and diversity extremes are introduced, yet educators must use materials that address all types oflearners. The specific needs of students as well as the varied skills required for mastery on state standardized tests require educators, children and parents to look towards technology for answers. This study attempts to contribute a view of new educationally based e-merging technology being presented for use in the elementary education classroom. This study also looks at the Section 508 Compliance and its role in utilizing technology to make information available for all. The Section 508 Compliance relates to all government funded materials and their ability to be accessed and utilized by the public. With the United States increasingly diverse population and implementation of inclusion in classrooms, we have a noteworthy amount of students and educators who could benefit from this technology. Specifically, this study examines how diverse classrooms and students' individual needs are to be met with technology and that this technology will be employed with the Section 508 Compliance. As a nation we need to better prepare our future generations with a sturdy foundation of skills and tools to allow our students to excel in the learning and working environment. By showcasing the needs of children, the laws enacted, and the technology resources to educate, this thesis provides the reader with a global perspective on integrating technology and instruction for all students. Enforcing the Section 508 Compliance so that e-businesses must comply with technology-based innovations that will allow educators the resources to benefit all learners.

In conjunction with the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot program (TIP), the State of Texas implemented a four-year annual evaluation called the Evaluation of the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (eTxTiP). It focused on the technology immersion experience through one-to-one mobile technology of sixth grade students in 22 selected middle schools. Initial findings suggested academic growth, especially in math, increased rigor of student work, greater teacher collaboration, a more positive school environment, and transformation of instructional practices. This study focused on one of the original schools selected to participate in the TIP program, exploring the impact over time of one-to-one mobile technology on one group of students over an 8-year period beginning with their third grade year. The selected school’s demographic makeup reflected a large number of schools within the state, including its size, rural location and economically disadvantaged student population. Based on an interrupted time series design, state assessment data was analyzed using a piecewise growth model. The study revealed no statistically significant academic growth in reading and math performance among the participants.