Faculty and Administrator Attitudes Toward Internet-Based Technologies and Virtual Networking Leading to the Development and Support of Social Capital

Abstract

Social capital (or the ways in which people in an organization collaborate and to a greater extent the quality of the professional community in that context) has a variety of implications for organizations, specifically schools. This study examined the relationship between the attitudes of administrators and faculty at the secondary level toward Internet-based technology and virtual networking and the development and support of social capital within school settings. A mixed-methods design was employed consisting of a questionnaire, focus group discussion, and site observations conducted in six secondary schools. Findings demonstrate a significant relationship between (teacher and administrative) perceptions of Internet-based technology and virtual networking and the development of social capital. Evidence suggests that school improvement as demonstrated by student outcomes (e.g., achievement and a sense of community welfare or connectedness) can be achieved by using Internet-based technology for virtual networking and professional community building. Given the proliferation of technology within school settings, this study provides (1) insights into those concerned with 21st-century learning priorities and (2) knowledge that can inform decisionmaking regarding attitudes toward Internet-based technology and virtual networking.