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The integration of digital games in elementary schools: The principals’ point of view

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Abstract

The goal of the current study was to examine the perceptions of elementary school principals regarding the value of integrating digital games in teaching and learning and the steps they take to promote this initiative. The study was conducted using a qualitative-narrative methodology to analyze data retrieved through semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with 18 school principals. The findings demonstrated that the school principals had a positive attitude toward the integration of digital games in teaching although they are not experts in this field. They described several steps they take to promote digital games integration in teaching: (1) systemwide strategic steps, which include formulating a vision and mission; promoting teachers’ professional development; and resource allocation; (2) individual-initiatives, which include modeling; empowering teachers; and creating a leadership group among the teachers. These steps are perceived as creating “islands of innovation,” which are meant to infiltrate into the organizational culture of the school, so as to become integral and sustainable practices. These findings may help create new official policies for integrating digital games at school, thus instilling a change in the school culture. The study underscores the important role of school principals as agents of change in this context.

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Data availability

The datasets are not publicly available due to participant privacy but are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Funding

The study did not receive any funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Achva Academic College, P.M. Shikmim, Arugot, 72500, Israel

    Sofia Hodedatov & Orit Avidov-Ungar

  2. Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat, Israel

    Merav Hayak

Authors
  1. Sofia Hodedatov
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  2. Orit Avidov-Ungar
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  3. Merav Hayak
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Orit Avidov-Ungar.

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Appendix

Appendix

  1. A.

    Outline of Interview Questions.

  1. 1.

    What do you think of technological innovation?

  2. 2.

    What are digital games and what is your opinion of DGBL?

  3. 3.

    What is your vision for integrating technological innovations in general and DGBL in particular into teaching practices?

  4. 4.

    How can DGBL be integrated into teachers’ practices and what is your role in this endeavor? Do you think that the implementation of DGBL is succeeding? Please explain.

  5. 5.

    Do you think that integrating DGBL in teaching helps teachers adopt other technologies into their teaching practices? If so, please provide examples and explain why you think this happens.

  6. 6.

    Do you think that setting a policy for integrating DGBL into teaching can help disseminate innovative technologies at your school? If so, how?

  7. 7.

    What did you do to prepare for the integration of DGBL into teaching in your school? What stages should be included in the plan, from your perspective?

  8. 8.

    What steps do you take to disseminate innovative technologies in general and DGBL in particular in your school?

  9. 9.

    What do you do to recruit teachers to cooperate in the integration of DGBL into teaching practices and do you support them during this process?

  10. 10.

    What steps do you take when teachers encounter difficulties or do not cooperate in integrating DGBL into their teaching practices?

  11. 11.

    What do you consider the challenges and difficulties in disseminating innovative technology in your school and especially those related to the integration of DGBL into classroom teaching?

  12. 12.

    What characteristics do you believe help you lead the change for integrating innovative technologies and DGBL into teaching practices in your school? Please explain.

  13. 13.

    How do you see your role as a school principal who has created a policy and work plan for integrating DGBL into teaching practices?

  14. 14.

    What advice would you give new school principals about leading a policy for the integration of DGBL into teaching and the dissemination of innovative technologies in general?

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Hodedatov, S., Avidov-Ungar, O. & Hayak, M. The integration of digital games in elementary schools: The principals’ point of view. Educ Inf Technol 29, 18003–18021 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12568-4

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