Feasibility study for using digital leadership in primary schools

Document Type : Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 MA in Educational Administration, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Education, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study of considers the feasibility of using digital leadership in Iranian primary schools. Purposeful sampling was used to obtain a sample of primary school principals in Shahrood, Iran with at least 5 years experience. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, Grounded theory method with the Strauss and Corbin coding approach was used for data analysis. Results showed that digital leadership in primary schools had 114 concepts (open codes) falling into 29 categories (axial codes) and formed 6 dimensions including causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, central phenomenon, strategies and consequences. Results showed that the use of digital leadership in primary schools is feasible due to the ability and high interest of principals and staff. Causal conditions include the level of ability and approach of educators, digital revolution, culture building, reforming the educational structure and policies, training and development of human resources and attracting capital. Also, the context include digital strategies, digital educational platform, networking, financial and human resources, digital content and management dashboard. On the other hand, intervening conditions include economic, structural, political, cultural and educational fields in the way of using digital leadership in elementary schools, that should be dealt with effective solutions and strategies including supportive, educational, collaborative, managerial and cultural strategy. Also, the use of digital leadership can improve teaching and learning, promote creativity, update and develop, innovate and improve the quality of education and change in educational culture and leadership patterns. Finally, a model was presented based on the findings of this study.

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