Leadership for technology integration: Computing the reality

Abstract

United States school districts continue to spend billions of dollars annually on various forms of technology equipment and services. Despite the widespread expectation that teachers routinely integrate technology into the curriculum to facilitate student achievement, there is substantial evidence that this is not occurring either in the manner or to the degree desirable. This study examined the extent to which computer-related technology is used in 12 school districts in North Louisiana from the perspectives of 214 site-based administrators in 149 schools. The findings suggest that technology integration remains problematic in that many teachers seem unwilling or unable to incorporate technology into the teaching and learning process. Furthermore, the data reveal that many school administrators consider themselves ill prepared to assume the role of technology leader. The implications of these and other findings for school improvement are discussed.