School leaders' attitude towards the use of digital technology in the early grades

Technology is changing the way we learn in the 21st century. It has found its way into schools at an increasing pace. This study seeks to examine the attitude of school leaders towards the use of technology for teaching and learning. The study was conducted in a district in Gauteng. A qualitative case study involving methods such as interviews and document analysis containing notes was examined through the lens of the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge model. The data gathered showed that school leaders supported the use of technology. School leaders were more focused on 'reading, writing and arithmetic', which are known in South Africa as the '3Rs'. Most leaders did not see the importance and necessity of technology in the early grades. Managers indicated that they were reluctant to allow staff to use technology because of theft and lack of training. Many cited their schools did not have the infrastructure and connectivity to support the use of technology. It was recommended that school leaders should be capacitated in the use of technology. The Department of Education should ensure that all schools have the necessary infrastructure in place before technology is introduced and that stricter security measures are put in place to prevent the theft of equipment from schools.