ERIC Number: ED519817
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 151
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: ISBN-978-1-1242-7570-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
An Investigation of the Administrator's Role as Instructional Leader in Effective Computer Technology Integration
Thomas, Shailendra Nelle
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Oral Roberts University
Purpose, scope, and method of study: Although computer technology has been a part of the educational community for many years, it is still not used at its optimal capacity (Gosmire & Grady, 2007b; Trotter, 2007). While teachers were identified early as playing important roles in the success of technology implementation, principals were often overlooked (Brockmeier, Sermon, & Hope, 2005). Frequently a barrier to the effective integration of computer technology is the commitment and leadership of the school administrator (Anderson & Dexter, 2005; Brockmeier et al., 2005; Hew & Brush, 2007). This multiple case study provides a detailed description of the administrator's role as instructional leader in two elementary schools that have effectively integrated computer technology into the adopted classroom curriculum. The following multiple forms of data were used to form an in-depth study of the cases: principal/teacher interviews, classroom observations, and document and record analysis. Findings and conclusions: The following themes emerged from data gathered and analyzed from principal and teacher interviews, observations, and document review: leadership that casts vision, supports, and models; high degree of technological expectation; understands pedagogical implementations of technology integration; and strong distributed leadership practice. The principals were able to effectively use district and school resources to permeate computer technology into the school's curriculum and instructional practices. The results from this study will add to the body of knowledge in the field of education, specifically, in the area of school leadership and successful technology integration. The findings from this study can be generalized to schools integrating technology in similar contexts (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission.Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Technology Integration, Computers, Educational Technology, Instructional Leadership, Principals, Teaching Methods, Administrators, Investigations, Curriculum Implementation, Elementary Schools, Curriculum, Interviews, Observation, Data Analysis
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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