Developing school information technology leaders for the future

Abstract

Problem-based learning and the Cognitive Apprenticeship Model were used to support undergraduate education students in developing skills required for information technology leadership roles in a school. With decentralised management of schools, the leadership roles that a new graduate may take on include being a member or chair of the school's information technology (IT) committee. Students responded well to this approach to learning and reported substantial benefits from it. This article briefly describes the framework underlying the course design and presents data indicating substantial gains in students' reported knowledge and confidence regarding undertaking IT leadership roles in a primary school