Measuring Principals' Technology Leadership and Principals' Behaviors: A Quantitative Study

• Main Author: Gerald, Shameka Nicole
• Other Authors: Counselor Education
• Format: Others
• Published: Virginia Tech 2020
• Subjects: Principal Technology Leadership; Digital Leadership; ICT Implementation; Principals
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/97602

The purpose of this research study was to identify the current self-reported technology leadership behaviors of principals in one public-school division in Virginia. Additionally, this study identified the difference, if any, in the self-reported technology leadership behaviors of principals across principal and school demographics. For this study Technology leadership was defined as "leadership practices and behaviors that support effective teaching and learning with technology as characterized by the ISTE-EL standards" (Schoenbart, 2019, p. 9). This quantitative descriptive study examined the essential role of principals as leaders responsible for successfully implementing technology integration plans. The researcher collected data via the Education Leaders Technology Survey (ELTS), developed by Dr. Adam Schoenbart, which assessed the 2018 International Society for Technology Education ¬Standards for Education Leaders (Schoenbart, 2019). Overall, the researcher used technology leadership scores and demographic data to describe principal technology leadership behaviors related to the following research questions: (1) To what extent do principals report exhibiting technology leadership behaviors? (2) What are the differences in reported principal technology leadership behaviors, if any, across the following demographic factors? (2a) principal demographic groups of gender identity, age, years of experience. (2b) school demographic groups of school type, size, community technology access, and socioeconomic status. The findings of the study suggested that principals (n = 23) are somewhat exhibiting technology leadership behavior and there is no difference in technology leadership behavior across principal or school demographic groups. Based on the finding of this study several implications for practice and recommendations for future research developed. === Doctor of Education === The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses, government organizations, churches and schools across the United States of America. In a matter of days, COVID-19 has dismantled traditional educational structures and school leaders at all levels have been forced into becoming technology leaders. Though schools are closed, the expectation of teaching and learning are still present and have transitioned to completely online environments. It is up to school leaders to guide school communities into virtual learning, but are principals prepared? This study examined the current technology leadership of principals in one public-school division in Virginia. Additionally, this study examined if a difference existed in principal reported technology leadership across principal and school demographic groups. Technology leadership can be summarized as practices that support effective teaching and learning with technology. Principal technology leadership scores were calculated based on responses to the online Education Leaders Technology Survey developed by Dr. Adam Schoenbart in 2019. The Education Leaders Technology Survey measured self-reported principal technology leadership based on the 2018 International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Education Leaders (Schoenbart, 2019). The results of this study indicated that principals report somewhat demonstrating technology leadership and report having a slightly higher opportunity to demonstrate technology leadership in their schools. Study findings also indicate that there are no differences in principal reported technology leadership across principal or school demographic groups. Based on the findings, several recommendations for principals, division leaders and principal preparation programs were made along with recommendations for future research on this topic.