Facilities Infrastructure Needs and Practices to Support Technology Implementation in Two Rural School Divisions in Virginia

The purpose of this study was to determine the planning, installation, and maintenance necessary for school buildings to support technology initiatives in two rural school divisions in Virginia. The research questions guiding this study were: (1) What short-term and/or long-term plans are put in place for building and maintaining facilities infrastructure to support technology initiatives? (2) What physical components, equipment, and personnel are necessary for adequate facilities infrastructure to support technology initiatives? (3) What are the perceived infrastructure barriers to effective integration of technology in a school building?

This qualitative study used purposeful sampling. The interview participants selected for this study were division-level technology leaders and their technology staff. The participants taking part in this study were at various stages of their profession, and at differing years of service, within their respective school divisions. The findings of this study may help division superintendents and division-wide technology leaders make more informed decisions regarding school building needs to support technology initiatives. The findings from this study indicate there is no agreement for how to build and maintain school buildings to support technology initiatives. However, there are several barriers to successful implementation of technology initiatives. Findings also uncovered common themes for best practice in how to plan and implement for school buildings to support technology initiatives.