School Principals as Agents on the Path to the Digitization of Greek Schools: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

Never before in education has there been such an abrupt and forceful change in the operation of schools around the globe. The embrace of digital technologies necessary for the continuation of teaching and learning was the only option during the pandemic crisis. Greek schools’ use of digital platforms to facilitate and continue the educational process took place within a matter of days and has since changed the way teaching and learning are perceived by teachers and students alike. The impact of these changes has had a lasting effect on all parties involved and has since sparked a number of studies. Among those, this chapter is sought to explore Greek school principals’ role in employing digital technologies to support instruction during the lockdown. Teachers and school principals shared their experiences and reflections on how school principals facilitated and supported instruction through the use of digital technologies during lockdown, how they perceive their newly established role as agents to the path of schools’ digital transformation, and how this experience has affected their leadership both during crisis and beyond.