Abstract

The integration of digital technologies in schools caused changes in daily dynamics, particularly concerning management processes and communication within the educational community. Although it is argued that “digital tools” represented an important contribution to educational improvement, it is also recognized that their use has been rather complex. School leaders, as the central pillars of schools’ digital modernization, have been faced with new challenges in the exercise of leadership. This article aims to understand the perception of school leaders from Portuguese schools regarding the use of digital platforms and technologies (DPT), the purposes of its use, as well as the advantages it brings in schools’ functioning. The study is national in scope, using a questionnaire survey in which ninety-four school principals/leaders participated. Overall, the results revealed the existence of a multiplicity of DPT in Portuguese schools, with several associated advantages. This factor shows instrumental rationality described by the intersection of political and market forces that influence schools, and limit leaders in educational management processes.