Date of Award
2003
Degree Name
EdD Doctor of Education
Keywords
case study, Leadership studies, organizational change, qualitative, school districts, staff development, teachers, technology implementation
Abstract
This qualitative case study investigated the role administrative leadership plays in organizational change related to the infusion of technology into district programs and pedagogical practices. School districts have been engaged in a struggle to incorporate new generations of technological advancements in meaningful ways for their students. Instructional reform and measurable performance-based outcomes are frequently conflated with the pressure to implement effective technology programs that ensure the No Child Left Behind federal mandates are met while ensuring judicious use of district funds. While technology has the potential to transform the educational process, it must align with the cultural uniqueness of the local learning community. This study investigated how educators, who are committed to technology programs in schools, dealt with differing attitudes, beliefs, interests, and aptitudes for change. The study used leadership research to examine two school districts, one rural and one suburban, that have undergone significant changes by infusing technology into their curriculum. It examined their staff development approaches and garnered insight about how to accomplish such a change in a responsible, forward-thinking way. Qualitative research methods were used to examine how leadership, change, and staff development might be related and how individuals dealt with change. The findings suggested that: (a) educators should understand that there is more than one way to implement successful technology programs, (b) leadership can play a significant role in the change and staff development efforts, and (c) staff development programs should involve support activities among the members of the learning community. This case study provides the basis for further investigation into how supportive relationships and collaborative efforts help individuals create learning communities that can effectively embrace organizational changes.
Document Type
Dissertation: Open Access
Department
Education
Digital USD Citation
Gillespie, Rebecca D. EdD, MA, BA, "A Study of Technology Implementation in Two School Districts: The Dynamics of Leadership and Change" (2003). Dissertations. 709.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/709