JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 5324

Name:____ESRA__DOGANAY_____________________
7/5/2015___________________________

Date:

Cite the reviewed article in APA format:

Waxman, H., Boriack, Yuan-Hsuan, L., & MacNeil, A. (2013). Principal'

Perceptions of the Importance of Technology in Schools. Contemporary
Education Technology, 4(3). 187-196

INTRODUCTION
Research Questions (if research questions are not specifically mentioned, what is
the theoretical background or overarching theme):

There are two research questions;

1) What are principals perceptions of the importance of technology?
2) Do principals perceptions of technology differ by years of experience and
gender?

Purpose of the research: The purpose of this study is specifically focus on how

principals view the importance of technology and perspectives on implementing

technology in the school.

METHODOLOGY
What is the methodology for the research or approach used to understand the
issue? Provide information regarding the following:

Participants: The participants were 310 principals which were 184 of them
women and 126 of them men.

Procedures: Graduate students in Education Leadership program at a major

administered the questionnaire. These students were trained on how to
administer the instrument and required to interview a specific number of current
public school principals.
Data Collection Methods/Data Source: For this research, only the data from
the interviews was used.
Data Analysis: Analysis of the interview data began with a process of data
reduction. The data was coded into meaningful categories. Once the categories
were established, another researcher independently coded a 10% sample of
responses to determine the consistency of the coding.

RESULTS
Findings or Results (or main points of the article): The principals responses for the

major functions of technology were grouped into six categories which were
Communication, Instruction, Data sharing and management, Resource, Administrative
tasks, Student learning. Almost 35 % of principals stated that technology was used as a
primary communication tool. Here some of answers : Technology helps with sending
out newsletters using an e-mail blast system, and teachers can e-mail parents to
communicate in a more improved way. , Communication within the building and
within the district is quicker and more accurate.
28% of principals responded that technology was integrated in teachers classroom
instruction. 14 % of principal use technology for data sharing and management. 15%
was using technology as a resource to find information . 10 % was also used for
administrative tasks, such as taking attendance . 10% use technology for student
learning .

DISCUSSIONS

Conclusions/Implications (for your profession):

The successful integration of technology is mainly depends on school administrations

attitude, if it is positive and supportive, as a result the implementation of educational
technology would provide better teaching and learning outcomes. The principals
positive attitudes towards technology and use of technology is viewed by teachers as
being supportive of integration of technology into the classroom, and encouraged both
the incorporation of technology in classrooms and more frequent use of technology by
teachers and students. (Waxman, Boriack, Lee, & MacNeil, 2013)

REFLECTIONS
Students Reflections (changes to your understanding; implications for your
school/work):
Personally, I believe that the principal has major role and responsibility over integration

of educational technology in school. They plan, they monitor, follow and evaluate the
technology implementation outcomes, and decide whether it is effective and useful. The
school administration should be a step ahead from the teachers in understanding
emerging technologies, so that they can identify which technology tool would be most
appropriate in particular school environment and at the same time they need to hold
positive attitude and support the teachers who are willing to apply educational
technologies in their classrooms. Anytime when I need any kind of technology, first of all
I go and consult with my principals on this topic, and most of the time these are the
people who are helpful. The school principals should always stay up-to-date, and follow
educational technology trends.