Framing innovation: The impact of the superintendent's attitude and use of technology on the acceptance of large-scale technology initiatives

The existing literature regarding leadership to support technology innovation in schools is limited. This qualitative study employs a multiple case study method to explore the leadership of superintendents in five school districts that have moved toward a 1:1 learning environment. This dissertation examined how superintendents gain acceptance for large-scale technology initiatives by describing the superintendent's own use of technology and their attitude about technology. The study explored the impact a superintendent's attitude and use of technology had on the acceptance of technology initiatives. The study highlights how superintendents use technology both professionally and personally. The study results indicated that while the superintendent's attitude about mobile devices in the hands of students has a profound impact on gaining acceptance for a large-scale technology initiative, it is inconclusive if the superintendent's use of technology has such an impact. The result is an important addition to the literature including recommendations for superintendents seeking to implement a large-scale technology initiative in their district.