Year
1995
Paper Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
College of Education and Human Services
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Kenneth T. Wilburn
Second Advisor
Dr. Lane Wallace
Third Advisor
Dr. Janet Bosnick
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Robert Drummond
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the use of microcomputers by principals in their roles as instructional leaders and managers, and its impact upon the use of microcomputer technology in the school. The research was done by having the randomly stratified selected sample population respond to a survey. The subjects of this study were elementary, middle/junior and high school principals in the Florida Public School System.
Of the responding principals 82.8% reported having access to a microcomputer in their office at school. One-third of the principals reported not having a microcomputer in their own homes. Word processing was reported as the most used application program and spread sheet applications the least used. Principals reported using the microcomputer in managerial tasks such as attendance, discipline, scheduling and grade reporting.
The data indicated principals have not taken a proactive stance in their own personal learning about microcomputers and how they can be used. Responding principals, for the most part, did not perceive of the teachers within the building they work as using the microcomputer for the managerial functions of teaching.
Presently principals are not taking full advantage of the microcomputer as a tool that can help them in their roles as instructional leaders and managers. Principals must also become more actively involved in the decision making process of the various technologies in which their school can participate.
Suggested Citation
McDonald, David James, "The Use of the Microcomputer by Principals in Their Roles of Instructional Leader and Manager" (1995). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 259.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/259