District Technology Leadership Then and Now: A Comparative Study of District Technology Leadership From 2001 to 2014

Purpose: This article focuses on district superintendents who were recognized as eSchoolNews Tech-Savvy Superintendents. Research Methods: Using interviews, this study compares data from superintendents who won this award between 2001 and 2010 in contrast to those who won the award between 2011 and 2014. The focus of the study is on understanding how discussions of challenges and successes within this population have shifted over nearly 15 years. Findings: A key finding is that these district-level leaders have shifted away from first-order changes of implementing technology initiatives and toward second-order changes of supporting teaching and learning that is supported with modern digital technologies. Implications: Recommendations are made for leadership preparation as well as lines of inquiry.