E-mail-based mobilization - parents to the rescue: A case study in a regional school

Parent organisations associated with secondary schools are increasingly challenged to become involved in meaningful ways to improve the educational outcomes for their children. This case study will focus on the use of information and communications technology (ICT) to mobilise a parent-led response to the announcement of a financial crisis and possible closure of a school. The use of an e-mail list in combination with other communication media enabled the stakeholder groups to identify strategies and then act to address the school's viability. The advantages and limitations of the use of ICT in this context are presented. The resultant changes in the dynamic of social inclusion in the broader school stakeholder groups are also discussed. The case study concludes that ICT is a useful tool in building social capacity for community engagement and for addressing limitations in organisational structures.