Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe in depth six middle schools in the state of California that were identified as being technology rich in terms of the characteristics of the technology, the conditions that allowed them to become technology rich, and the perceived impact of technology. Methodology. A descriptive case study method was used. A panel of experts identified the six technology-rich middle schools for the study and assisted in developing the variables. Data were collected from interviews, focus groups, and archival data. Findings and conclusions. (1) The principal plays a significant role in the development and implementation of technology in the school; (2) the use of technologies in the middle schools has a positive impact on the perceptions of teachers, students and the parents; (3) technology is fundamentally changing the delivery of the curriculum, production, and type of courses in technology-rich middle schools; (4) middle schools identified as technology rich incorporate a variety of technology-driven tools that included computers, video distribution systems, communications systems, networking, and Instructional/Satellite Television. Recommendations. (1) middle school principals should actively pursue the acquisition of training and knowledge of educational technologies and their strength as a learning tool for themselves and their role in leading schools into the future; (2) middle school teachers should be involved in staff development opportunities to assist them understand today's technologies and what they offer them as a learning tool; (3) technology should be integrated throughout the middle school curriculum in both traditional and elective courses; (4) parents should be invited to be part of the process in the development and support of technology at the site level and where not possible at least kept informed of changes and new; (5) middle school principals, their staffs, and parent groups should learn to create and then enter into a process of developing a technology vision and plan for their schools.