Researchers have frequently found that leadership plays a key role in the successful and effective implementation of technology in K-12 school districts (Meltzer & Sherman, 1997; Schiller, 2002; Bliss & Bliss, 2003; Anderson & Dexter, 2005). A key component of the Michigan Freedom To Learn (FTL): One-to-One Learning initiative evaluation was to obtain valid data from a rigorous and comprehensive research study to gauge the impacts of the program relative to its primary goals. An evaluative research component examining the effectiveness of leadership in FTL initiative as perceived by FTL teachers and lead teachers was added as an extension to the initial multi-year evaluation plan to examine the roles of school leadership (principals, assistant principals, or others) in relationship to the effective implementation of the FTL laptop program.

This paper summarizes the 2007-2008 evaluation results of the leadership survey distributed the to Michigan Freedom to Learn (FTL) program teachers, in their effort to improve student learning and achievement in Michigan schools through the integration of laptop computers with teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms. The results obtained from the survey provided insight into the relationships between the identified leadership attributes and successful program implementation.

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The Role of Leadership in a Statewide Student Laptop Implementation

Lee Allen*, **, Deborah L. Lowther***
* Assistant Professor of lnstructional Design and Technology, College of Education, University of Memphis, Memphis.
** Facully member of lnstruction and Curriculum Leadership, College of Education, University of Memphis, Memphis.
*** Professor of lnstructional Design and Technology College of Education, University of Memphis, Memphis.
Periodicity:April - June'2009
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.6.1.208

Abstract

Researchers have frequently found that leadership plays a key role in the successful and effective implementation of technology in K-12 school districts (Meltzer & Sherman, 1997; Schiller, 2002; Bliss & Bliss, 2003; Anderson & Dexter, 2005). A key component of the Michigan Freedom To Learn (FTL): One-to-One Learning initiative evaluation was to obtain valid data from a rigorous and comprehensive research study to gauge the impacts of the program relative to its primary goals. An evaluative research component examining the effectiveness of leadership in FTL initiative as perceived by FTL teachers and lead teachers was added as an extension to the initial multi-year evaluation plan to examine the roles of school leadership (principals, assistant principals, or others) in relationship to the effective implementation of the FTL laptop program.

This paper summarizes the 2007-2008 evaluation results of the leadership survey distributed the to Michigan Freedom to Learn (FTL) program teachers, in their effort to improve student learning and achievement in Michigan schools through the integration of laptop computers with teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms. The results obtained from the survey provided insight into the relationships between the identified leadership attributes and successful program implementation.

Keywords

K-12 Instructional Technology Implementation, Student Laptops, Educational Leadership, Administrative Roles, Levels Of Support.

How to Cite this Article?

Lee E. Allen, Louis Franceschini and Deborah L. Lowther (2009). The Role of Leadership in a Statewide Student Laptop Implementation. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 6(1), 28-40. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.6.1.208

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