Date of Award

Fall 9-15-2016

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

EdD Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Anthony J. Colella, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Barbara V. Strobert, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Timothy J. Purnell, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Mark A. Connolly, Ed.D.

Keywords

Technology Leadership, Leadership, Technology Integration, Organization

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of K-12 principals regarding technology integration in their schools. Qualitative interview research was conducted to gather data regarding principals’ perceptions, attitudes, visions, and beliefs as they relate to this topic. This study was premised on the conceptual framework of Dr. John Collins’ (2009) Technology Leadership, Management and Policy Pyramid. The three sides of this pyramid are organizational integration activities, maintenance activities, and planning activities. According to Collins (2009), all three sides of this pyramid need to be effectuated simultaneously with committed leadership in order to support this model and achieve successful technology integration.

Thirteen participants, all of whom were principals in their schools, were interviewed one on one. Each of the participants was principal of a school in a District Factor Group, DFG I school district northern New Jersey. After recording the interviews with two audio recorders, the sessions were transcribed and analyzed. The findings included the following common themes: (a) each of the principals considered herself/himself a technology leader of her/his school; (b) leading by example, especially with technology, allows for a more fluid integration of technology in each school; (c) professional development (PD) taught by staff in the district often times is more beneficial than outsourced PD, and it also allows for more follow-up PD during team meetings, faculty meetings, etc.; and (d) most participants have seen an increase in the use of effective use of technology in the classroom. The data collected from this research study can facilitate certain school district organizations that are fledgling with technology integration, need an increase in effectiveness, or perhaps are seeking a fresh approach.

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