School Administrators as Catalysts for the Digitalisation of Malay Language Education in Primary Schools

This study aims to identify the capacity of school administrators as catalysts of the digitalisation of Malay language education in schools. It also seeks to explain the issues faced by school administrators in leading the digitalisation of Malay language education at the school level. This research employed a qualitative approach using a case study design, with interviews, observations, and document analysis as its research instruments. The study sample consisted of six school administrators, namely three headmasters and three senior assistants. The study was conducted in three national primary schools located in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Purposive sampling was used for sample selection. Narrative and descriptive analysis methods were applied to interpret the research findings. The findings revealed that school administrators demonstrated capabilities in managing the digitalisation of Malay language education, teacher professional development, infrastructure and technology support, evaluation practices, and communication related to digitalization in Malay language education. The study also identified several issues hindering the digitalisation effort, including unstable Internet access, insufficient technological equipment, limited financial resources, teacher attitudes, increased workload, technical skill gaps, and time constraints. This study carries implications for stakeholders to remain attentive to the realities and challenges faced by school administrators and Malay language teachers in implementing the digitalisation of Malay language education in schools.