Competence Level and Technological Management Practices of Elementary School Heads: An Information Communication Technology Based Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Information Technology or IT has emerged as an important tool in education particularly in teaching, learning and management. It has boundless capabilities in administrative and managerial tasks. This development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) creates an exciting and very challenging tasks when it comes to the competencies and management practices of school heads.

METHODS

The mixed method research design was used. Two hundred forty-eight (248) school heads and twenty (20) teachers from twenty (20) school districts from Region IV-A were selected as respondents of the study via the fishbowl technique. The data gathered were statistically analyzed using weighted mean, Spearman's and ANOVA for multiple comparisons. Also, open-ended self-devised questionnaires were also used. Weighted mean and Spearman rho were used for appropriate statistical measures.

RESULTS

There is an observable disparity in the level of ICT competence and technological management practices of school heads. Hence, it was shown that school heads in Cavite, Laguna and Rizal are in the proficient level whereas Batangas and Quezon are just in the developing level in terms of their ICT competence and technological management practices. Furthermore, the study confirms that ICT competence has a connection with the technological management practices done by the school heads. Thus, an ICT based plan was proposed and was revealed to be strongly acceptable in all its parameters.

DISCUSSIONS

The result commended that school heads practicing technological management may be sent for intensified trainings and seminars to improve themselves. There is a shift in the role of administrators from just acknowledging the importance of ICT towards a role that is more proactive in order to discharge their responsibility as leaders in the effective use of technology in schools.