NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1049905
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 10
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0146-9283
EISSN: N/A
School Finance and Technology: A Case Study Using Grid and Group Theory to Explore the Connections
Case, Stephoni; Harris, Edward L.
Educational Considerations, v41 n2 p33-42 Spr 2014
Using grid and group theory (Douglas 1982, 2011), the study described in this article examined the intersections of technology and school finance in four schools located in districts differing in size, wealth, and commitment to technology integration. In grid and group theory, grid refers to the degree to which policies and role prescriptions either hinder or promote individual autonomy. Group refers to the degree of commitment a person has to the larger social unit. The dynamics of grid and group are simultaneously at work in any social setting, and consequently, over time, certain themes and dominant patterns of thought and behavior tend to define a particular setting. In this study of four schools, neither school size nor budget size were indicators of successful integration and equitable distribution of technology. However grid and group features that promoted either isolation or integration were important indicators for these schools. For example, the weak-group leaders did not provide vision and direction, and individual teachers chose whether or not to integrate technology or not. The strong-group schools were more intentional in their technology mission. Their leaders developed program goals, systems to be used, the types of computers purchased, and use by students. The conclusion that the authors draw from this case study is that technology integration and equitable distribution depended upon the intentionality of those who budgeted the funds and provided necessary training
Kansas State University, College of Education. 1100 Mid-Campus Drive, 006 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. Tel: 785-532-5525; Fax: 785-532-7304; e-mail: edcoll@ksu.edu; Web site: http://coe.ksu.edu/EdConsiderations
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Tests/Questionnaires; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A