The Effects of Principals’ Digital Leadership on Teachers’ Digital Teaching during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
1,2,33Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia.
Abstract
Education involving digital technology is the latest transformation of the education system, especially during the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) has taken the initiative to spearhead efforts to develop the skills and potential of students in the use of digital technology. The main purpose of this study was to identify the level of digital leadership displayed by principals, the level of teachers' digital teaching practices and the elements of principals' digital leadership that predict the level of teachers' digital teaching. About 400 secondary school teachers in Hulu Langat District, Selangor were involved in this study. The findings of this study show that the level of digital leadership displayed by principals and teachers’ digital teaching practice are both at a high level. However, the positive correlation between the two is moderate. Multiple regression found that only digital citizenship is a strong predictor of teachers' digital teaching. The findings show that the ability to plan and organize digital leadership programs is important and can help improve students' academic performance, despite the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Keywords:Online instructional, Digital leadership, Principals, Digital teaching, Teachers, Digital technology.
Contribution of this paper to the literature: This paper provides guidelines for readers and authorities to organize appropriate leadership programs and provide encouragement and motivation for school administrators to achieve digital leadership characteristics.
The world of education is  increasingly challenging, especially in the digital era which demands that school  leaders cultivate the use of digital technology in school administration and  management. The Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) has produced the ICT  Transformation Plan 2019-2023, which was launched to support the digital  education agenda in Malaysia (Ministry  of Education Malaysia, 2019 ).  Principals are required to train themselves to master digital technology skills,  including the possession of digital technology-focused leadership characteristics  (Yusof, Yaakob, & Ibrahim, 2019
).  Principals are required to train themselves to master digital technology skills,  including the possession of digital technology-focused leadership characteristics  (Yusof, Yaakob, & Ibrahim, 2019 ). Teachers  are also encouraged to master ICT and digital technology competencies so as not  to experience difficulties in implementing these changes (Tomte, 2013
). Teachers  are also encouraged to master ICT and digital technology competencies so as not  to experience difficulties in implementing these changes (Tomte, 2013 ).  Thus, to achieve transformation in education school principals and teachers are  required to use these skills to improve students’ academic performance, using  the methods of digital technology.
).  Thus, to achieve transformation in education school principals and teachers are  required to use these skills to improve students’ academic performance, using  the methods of digital technology.
 Principals  wanting to implement digital leadership need to wisely use their space and  opportunities to bring great changes to the school culture and thus have a  positive impact on the education system in Malaysia, which aims to use the  elements of technology and digital mastery to enhance student marketability in  the 4.0 era of education (Bahtiar, Ibrahim, Ariffin, Ismail, & Isa, 2014 ). Principals need to identify the best approach to  ensure the effective involvement of both teachers and students (Arokiasamy, Abdullah, & Ismail, 2014
). Principals need to identify the best approach to  ensure the effective involvement of both teachers and students (Arokiasamy, Abdullah, & Ismail, 2014 ; Norakmar,  Noor, & Latif, 2019
; Norakmar,  Noor, & Latif, 2019 ).  According to Thannimalai  and Raman (2018
).  According to Thannimalai  and Raman (2018 ), the  responsibilities of teachers have become more complex, as they need to be  committed to discovering various alternatives to support the integration of  digital technology in teaching and learning. Students are enthusiastic about  digital learning and the use of digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets  and so on because they want to get internet access (Arip et al., 2019
), the  responsibilities of teachers have become more complex, as they need to be  committed to discovering various alternatives to support the integration of  digital technology in teaching and learning. Students are enthusiastic about  digital learning and the use of digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets  and so on because they want to get internet access (Arip et al., 2019 ).
).  
  According  to Sheninger  (2014 ), there are still school leaders who are reluctant  and misunderstand the use of digital technologies, such as the role of social  media and the advantages of using digital devices. Some principals do not  master ICT and digital technology competencies. According to Leong,  Chua, and Sathiamoorthy (2016
), there are still school leaders who are reluctant  and misunderstand the use of digital technologies, such as the role of social  media and the advantages of using digital devices. Some principals do not  master ICT and digital technology competencies. According to Leong,  Chua, and Sathiamoorthy (2016 ),  there is a correlation between the knowledge of technology integration and principals’  ability to motivate themselves to implement whole school changes. Van  Niekerk and Van Wyk (2014
),  there is a correlation between the knowledge of technology integration and principals’  ability to motivate themselves to implement whole school changes. Van  Niekerk and Van Wyk (2014 ) also argue that  the principal is the leader who must initiate and sustain the integrated use of  technology in education by modeling and incorporating technology into their daily  management and administrative practices. Karahan,  Canbazoğlu Bilici, and Ünal (2015
) also argue that  the principal is the leader who must initiate and sustain the integrated use of  technology in education by modeling and incorporating technology into their daily  management and administrative practices. Karahan,  Canbazoğlu Bilici, and Ünal (2015 ) discovered that  the need for school administrators to adapt to technological developments is crucial,  as technological developments will continue to occur. This study aims to  investigate the level of digital leadership displayed by principals through the  dimensions of visionary leadership, digital era learning culture, professional  practice excellence, systemic improvement and digital citizenship. In addition,  this study also identified elements in principals' digital leadership that can  predict teachers' digital teaching.
) discovered that  the need for school administrators to adapt to technological developments is crucial,  as technological developments will continue to occur. This study aims to  investigate the level of digital leadership displayed by principals through the  dimensions of visionary leadership, digital era learning culture, professional  practice excellence, systemic improvement and digital citizenship. In addition,  this study also identified elements in principals' digital leadership that can  predict teachers' digital teaching.
School  leaders today must strive to fill any gaps in their technological knowledge and  skills in order to provide direction and guidance to lead digital development  in their school and spread this practice to the school learning environment (Aksal, 2015 ).  The use of teaching aids in teaching and learning is important to attract  students’ interest and improve their performance, as well as achieve the teacher’s  objectives in teaching a subject (Sallehin, Halim, Education, Tun, & Onn, 2015
).  The use of teaching aids in teaching and learning is important to attract  students’ interest and improve their performance, as well as achieve the teacher’s  objectives in teaching a subject (Sallehin, Halim, Education, Tun, & Onn, 2015 ). Petersen  (2014
). Petersen  (2014 ) has noted that school administrators  have taken the initiative to learn about the use of technology on their own accord;  they plan teacher training programs using technology and carry out school  management and school leadership tasks using digital technology devices. Principals’  efficient management of the education system will help to have an effective  impact on teachers’ teaching practices and digital learning systems (Bernhardt, 2015
) has noted that school administrators  have taken the initiative to learn about the use of technology on their own accord;  they plan teacher training programs using technology and carry out school  management and school leadership tasks using digital technology devices. Principals’  efficient management of the education system will help to have an effective  impact on teachers’ teaching practices and digital learning systems (Bernhardt, 2015 ).  The use of technology has supported learning in the classroom, leading to  increased student achievement, bridging the student achievement gap and  reducing the number of students dropping out of school. Meanwhile, Domeny  (2017
).  The use of technology has supported learning in the classroom, leading to  increased student achievement, bridging the student achievement gap and  reducing the number of students dropping out of school. Meanwhile, Domeny  (2017 ) showed that there is no significant  relationship between principals' digital leadership and the implementation of  digital learning by teachers – the relationship between the two variables is  weak. However, others have still found a strong relationship between the two dimensions (International Society for Technology in Education  (ISTE), 2021
) showed that there is no significant  relationship between principals' digital leadership and the implementation of  digital learning by teachers – the relationship between the two variables is  weak. However, others have still found a strong relationship between the two dimensions (International Society for Technology in Education  (ISTE), 2021 ). The overall ISTE Standards for  Administrators demonstrate that ISTE-A offers strong standards to guide and  direct principals in their role as digital leaders.
). The overall ISTE Standards for  Administrators demonstrate that ISTE-A offers strong standards to guide and  direct principals in their role as digital leaders.
 Digital  leadership is the leadership to bring about change using digital devices in the  field of educational management. This transformation process requires leaders  to intensify their efforts to mobilize, implement and absorb the use of digital  devices as a medium of teaching and learning through strategic planning aligned  with the vision of the school (International Society for Technology in Education  (ISTE), 2021 ). The ISTE has issued a digital leadership  standard for administrators, the ISTE Standard for Administrators (ISTE-A).  This standard serves as a working guide for all school administrators in  cultivating digital teaching and learning. The ISTE-A Standard sets out five  dimensions of digital leadership, namely visionary leadership, digital era  learning culture, excellence in professional practice, systemic improvement and  digital citizenship. ISTE also recommends that leaders allocate an appropriate  amount of time and training on an ongoing basis to the competencies of teachers  in order to ensure the smoothness of the implementation of the vision to expand  digital education.
). The ISTE has issued a digital leadership  standard for administrators, the ISTE Standard for Administrators (ISTE-A).  This standard serves as a working guide for all school administrators in  cultivating digital teaching and learning. The ISTE-A Standard sets out five  dimensions of digital leadership, namely visionary leadership, digital era  learning culture, excellence in professional practice, systemic improvement and  digital citizenship. ISTE also recommends that leaders allocate an appropriate  amount of time and training on an ongoing basis to the competencies of teachers  in order to ensure the smoothness of the implementation of the vision to expand  digital education.
 Digital  leadership is characterized by transformational leadership styles and the use  of digital technology. In this theory, leaders model behavior, and employees  will be inspired to follow suit (Bass, 1989 ).  This style of transformational leadership never changes, it only adapts to the  context. It can be used in all fields but is particularly important in fields  that are adapting to quickly changing technology, where innovation and agility  are required. Digital teaching is teaching that integrates digital technology  in student learning. It can take place in all areas of the curriculum (Victoria  State Government, 2020
).  This style of transformational leadership never changes, it only adapts to the  context. It can be used in all fields but is particularly important in fields  that are adapting to quickly changing technology, where innovation and agility  are required. Digital teaching is teaching that integrates digital technology  in student learning. It can take place in all areas of the curriculum (Victoria  State Government, 2020 ).  Teacher quality factors are important for an effective teaching system in order  to improve student achievement (Norakmar, Noor, & LAtif, 2020
).  Teacher quality factors are important for an effective teaching system in order  to improve student achievement (Norakmar, Noor, & LAtif, 2020 ).  One of the indicators of teacher quality is the mastery of digital  competencies. A study by Jannah,  Prasojo, and Jerusalem (2020
).  One of the indicators of teacher quality is the mastery of digital  competencies. A study by Jannah,  Prasojo, and Jerusalem (2020 )  shows that the main factor determining the success of digital-based learning is  not only the availability of digital devices, but the competencies that must be  mastered by teachers.
)  shows that the main factor determining the success of digital-based learning is  not only the availability of digital devices, but the competencies that must be  mastered by teachers. 
 Several  studies mention barriers to the integration of digital technology in learning,  such as the fact that teachers are unable to use digital technology in the  classroom due to lack of knowledge, skills, training, and self-confidence as  well as limited facilities (Vinathan, 2017 ).  According to Gupta  (2018
).  According to Gupta  (2018 ), because teachers do not explore course  materials well and do not want to use that time to do coursework or exercises,  digital teaching will depend on the teacher’s computer literacy level and burdens  the teacher with the task of determining learning effectiveness through student  assessment. The report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and  Development (OECD) also outlines issues preventing the implementation of  teaching and learning in digital environments, such as limited access to and  usage of computers. Students are using mobile devices for purposes that are not  educational and the level of student inclination for the use of digital devices  leads to different performance effects (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development  [OECD], 2019
), because teachers do not explore course  materials well and do not want to use that time to do coursework or exercises,  digital teaching will depend on the teacher’s computer literacy level and burdens  the teacher with the task of determining learning effectiveness through student  assessment. The report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and  Development (OECD) also outlines issues preventing the implementation of  teaching and learning in digital environments, such as limited access to and  usage of computers. Students are using mobile devices for purposes that are not  educational and the level of student inclination for the use of digital devices  leads to different performance effects (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development  [OECD], 2019 ).
).
This  study is quantitative in nature and was conducted using a cross-sectional  survey approach for the purpose of examining the level of digital leadership  practices of principals in the integration of digital learning in schools. The  ISTE Standard for Administrators (ISTE-A) is a fundamental element in the  formation of this study construct. The population of teachers consists of 4450  teachers who are currently teaching in national secondary schools in Hulu  Langat District, Selangor. Sampling tables were referenced to determine the  sample methods (Krejcie & Morgan, 1970 ).  An appropriate sample size of 402 participants was selected as a purposed  sampling. All secondary school teachers of Hulu Langat District were invited to  participate in this study.
).  An appropriate sample size of 402 participants was selected as a purposed  sampling. All secondary school teachers of Hulu Langat District were invited to  participate in this study.
The researcher distributed the questionnaire to all  the teachers involved, with permission from the school principals. The questionnaires  were provided using Google Forms.  Two instruments used for this study were the Principal Technology Leadership  Assessment (PTLA) released by the International Society for Technology in Education  (ISTE) (2021 ) and the Teacher Technology Self-Efficacy  Study (ETS-ES), adapted from Domeny  (2017
) and the Teacher Technology Self-Efficacy  Study (ETS-ES), adapted from Domeny  (2017 ) to focus on the use of digital technology  by teachers.
) to focus on the use of digital technology  by teachers. 
 The  survey consists of 3 parts, namely part A, the demographic profile of the  respondents; part B, 32 items covering the dimension of digital leadership; and  part C, 50 items covering the dimension of digital teaching in the classroom.  The survey as a whole was also reviewed by experts in the field of educational  administration to ensure the validity of its content (Awang, Afthanorhan, Mamat, Sultan, & Abidin, 2016
 ).  The survey answers use a 5 -point Likert scale: from Strongly Disagree to  Strongly Agree. A pilot study was conducted in two schools in Hulu Langat  District involving 30 samples. The reliability of the whole instrument also  recorded a high Cronbach’s Alphavalue of  0.93.
).  The survey answers use a 5 -point Likert scale: from Strongly Disagree to  Strongly Agree. A pilot study was conducted in two schools in Hulu Langat  District involving 30 samples. The reliability of the whole instrument also  recorded a high Cronbach’s Alphavalue of  0.93.
Quantitative data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 27. Descriptive analysis was conducted involving frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation and interpretation of mean score. Meanwhile, inferential analysis and multiple regression analysis was carried out to identify the correlation between principals' digital leadership and teachers' digital teaching.
Out of 402 distributed questionnaires, 357 were returned, meaning that the return rate was 89%. Of these, however, only 318 were fully completed and used for the analysis. A majority of the respondents (87%) were female teachers. Of the teachers, 36% indicated they had more than 20 years’ teaching experience, followed by 33%,18% and 11% of teachers with teaching experience in the range of 16 to 19 years, 11 to 15 years, and 5 to 10 years respectively. Only 2.5% of respondents had less than 5 years’ teaching experience. It was also noted that the number of teachers who had or had not attended digital teaching related training courses in the use of digital devices was approximately equivalent.
The overall level of Principals' Digital Leadership and its components were high. The mean score of each dimension was more than 3.88, and the standard deviation more than .48, as shown in Table 1. The summated score of Principals’ Digital Leadership was normally distributed (skewness at -.76) and the reliability was .97.
Table-1. Level of principals’ digital leadership.
| Dimension | Mean    Score | Standard    Deviation | Level | 
| Visionary Leadership | 4.09 | 0.53 | High | 
| Digital Era Learning Culture | 4.08 | 0.55 | High | 
| Professional Practice Excellence | 3.93 | 0.65 | High | 
| Systemic Improvement | 3.88 | 0.65 | High | 
| Digital Citizenship | 4.07 | 0.55 | High | 
| Overall | 4.01 | 0.48 | High | 
Table-2. Level of teachers’ digital teaching practice.
| Dimension | Mean    Score | Standard    Deviation | Level | 
| Digital Era Learning | 4.05 | 0.41 | High | 
| Digital Era Work Culture | 3.87 | 0.53 | High | 
| Student Learning | 3.99 | 0.46 | High | 
| Teacher Digital Citizenship | 4.02 | 0.46 | High | 
| Professional Enhancement | 3.98 | 0.48 | High | 
| Overall | 3.98 | 0.36 | High | 
The overall level of Teachers’ Digital Teaching Practice and its components were high as well. The mean score of each dimension was more than 3.87, and the standard deviation more than 0.36, as shown in Table 2. The summated score of Teachers’ Digital Teaching Practice was normally distributed (skewness at .42) and the reliability was .97.
A statistically significant association was discovered between principals' digital leadership and teachers' digital teaching practice. Both constructs fulfilled the assumption of normality. Thus, the Pearson statistic was calculated, r(316) = .53, p < .01. This result has shown the existence of a significant positive relationship between the two constructs, meaning that principals who have a high level of digital leadership tend to inspire a higher level of digital teaching practice in their teachers. The effect size is small for studies in this area. The r2 indicates that nearly 30% of the variance in principals' digital leadership can be predicted from their teachers' digital teaching practice. The scatter plot in Figure 1 visualizes the association.

Figure-1. Scatter plot depicting principals' digital leadership and teachers' digital teaching practice.
A  further analysis was conducted after all assumptions were met using  Simultaneous Multiple regression to identify the dominant predictors of  teachers' digital teaching practice out of the various dimensions of the  principals' digital leadership (visionary leadership dimensions, digital age  learning culture, professional practice excellence, systemic improvement and  digital citizenship). This indicated that the effect on teachers' digital  teaching practices was statistically significant, F(5, 312) = 28.02, p < .001. The Adjusted R2 value was0.30, indicating  that 30% of the variance in digital teaching practice could be explained by the  model which included five variables in the regression. According to Cohen  (1988
 ) this is a large effect. Further  analysis, however, found only one variable of digital leadership that was a significant  predictor of teachers' digital teaching, namely digital citizenship (ꞵ = 0.35, p = .000), as  presented in Table 3. The finding also indicates that the principal’s  digital citizenship variable is the strongest predictor of teachers' digital  teaching. The model of Teacher Digital Teaching is below, [Teacher Digital  Teaching = 2.285 + 0.241 digital citizenship].
) this is a large effect. Further  analysis, however, found only one variable of digital leadership that was a significant  predictor of teachers' digital teaching, namely digital citizenship (ꞵ = 0.35, p = .000), as  presented in Table 3. The finding also indicates that the principal’s  digital citizenship variable is the strongest predictor of teachers' digital  teaching. The model of Teacher Digital Teaching is below, [Teacher Digital  Teaching = 2.285 + 0.241 digital citizenship].
Table-3. Multiple regression coefficients.
| Variables | B  | SE    B | 𝛽  | 
| Visionary Leadership | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.09 | 
| Digital Era Learning Culture | -0.01 | 0.05 | -0.02 | 
| Professional Practice Excellence | 0.07 | 0.04 | 0.13 | 
| Systemic Improvement | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.10 | 
| Digital Citizenship | 0.24 | 0.05 | 0.35* | 
| Constant | 2.29 | 0.16 | 
The  principals in the Hulu Langat district have applied the characteristics of  digital leadership, namely visionary leadership, digital age learning culture,  excellence in professional practice, systemic improvement and digital  citizenship in school management and administration. This is in line with the findings  of Norakmar  et al. (2019
 ) who stated that principals have expressed  their willingness to carry out the role of digital leaders in schools. The  findings of this study show that teachers agree that principals are involved in  the development of strategic planning, especially with regards to the use of  ICT and digital technology in teaching. However, teachers are less likely to  agree that principals channel information related to the construction of  strategic planning by emphasizing the use of ICT and digital technology in  teaching. A study by Tibagwa,  Onen, and Oonyu (2016
) who stated that principals have expressed  their willingness to carry out the role of digital leaders in schools. The  findings of this study show that teachers agree that principals are involved in  the development of strategic planning, especially with regards to the use of  ICT and digital technology in teaching. However, teachers are less likely to  agree that principals channel information related to the construction of  strategic planning by emphasizing the use of ICT and digital technology in  teaching. A study by Tibagwa,  Onen, and Oonyu (2016
 ),  also found that principals need to work with school stakeholders in creating  school vision and mission through effective and enhanced strategic planning by  implementing the consistent use of technology in academic monitoring,  management, and administration by teachers, staff, students, schools and  parents.
),  also found that principals need to work with school stakeholders in creating  school vision and mission through effective and enhanced strategic planning by  implementing the consistent use of technology in academic monitoring,  management, and administration by teachers, staff, students, schools and  parents. 
 Teachers  agree that principals encourage  the use of ICT and digital technology across the curriculum. A study by Cano  and García (2013
 )  also pointed out that the management of school organization by using ICT in  teacher supervision can help to overcome traditional administrative weaknesses  and time constraints, and encourage learning outside the classroom and keeping  pace with the developments in ICT and digital technology that continue to  dominate the world of education. Digital leadership is seen as an expression of  management and administration that can support the latest requirements for  digital transformation by ensuring total quality management including  motivating, coordinating and evaluating the efforts of all stakeholders in  improving teaching and learning, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (Damayanti & Mirfani, 2021
)  also pointed out that the management of school organization by using ICT in  teacher supervision can help to overcome traditional administrative weaknesses  and time constraints, and encourage learning outside the classroom and keeping  pace with the developments in ICT and digital technology that continue to  dominate the world of education. Digital leadership is seen as an expression of  management and administration that can support the latest requirements for  digital transformation by ensuring total quality management including  motivating, coordinating and evaluating the efforts of all stakeholders in  improving teaching and learning, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (Damayanti & Mirfani, 2021
 ).
).  
 The  digital teaching practice of teachers in the Hulu Langat district is also at a  high level. This may support the argument that teachers are beginning to  realize the benefits of digital technology-based teaching. Teachers were found  to agree that they actively involve students in continuous assessment of their  learning processes and thought patterns, in line with Dooley,  Lewis Ellison, Welch, Allen, and Bauer (2016
 ).  Digital technology-based teaching can help students increase their motivation and  thus perform better. The findings of multiple studies have concluded that  digital teaching and learning have a significant positive impact on student  motivation and learning performance and they recommend leveraging the advantages  of digital teaching by developing practical teaching strategies (Hasin & Nasir, 2021
).  Digital technology-based teaching can help students increase their motivation and  thus perform better. The findings of multiple studies have concluded that  digital teaching and learning have a significant positive impact on student  motivation and learning performance and they recommend leveraging the advantages  of digital teaching by developing practical teaching strategies (Hasin & Nasir, 2021
 ; Khalid  & Quick, 2016
; Khalid  & Quick, 2016
 ; Lin, Chen, &  Liu, 2017
; Lin, Chen, &  Liu, 2017
 ; Nasir, Mansor, & Rahman, 2018
; Nasir, Mansor, & Rahman, 2018
 ) . This is in line with the findings of a  study by Nasir  (2020
) . This is in line with the findings of a  study by Nasir  (2020
 ), which found a significant positive  relationship between social presence and student satisfaction through online  learning.
), which found a significant positive  relationship between social presence and student satisfaction through online  learning. 
 Thus,  digital teaching can create an active learning atmosphere among students  through online or offline learning. Teachers were found to agree that they use digital devices to communicate  and collaborate with students, colleagues and parents. These findings  are supported by a study by Sung,  Chang, and Liu (2016
 ),  which found that digital devices can improve the integration of teaching and  the effectiveness of student learning. The digital leadership of principals influences  the digital teaching practices of teachers. However, there is still room for  improvement, especially in the areas of school administration and management. A  study by Zhong (2016
),  which found that digital devices can improve the integration of teaching and  the effectiveness of student learning. The digital leadership of principals influences  the digital teaching practices of teachers. However, there is still room for  improvement, especially in the areas of school administration and management. A  study by Zhong (2016
 )  also found that principals need to use hybrid methods to support teacher  communication and the implementation of teacher standards, including digital  teaching, meetings, collaboration groups, the use of social media for  administrative matters, online learning and professional development.
)  also found that principals need to use hybrid methods to support teacher  communication and the implementation of teacher standards, including digital  teaching, meetings, collaboration groups, the use of social media for  administrative matters, online learning and professional development.
 Principals  who establish professional improvement practices among teachers can increase  teachers’ confidence to integrate digital teaching and learning. However, Yusof  et al. (2019
 ) found that the functions of the digital  learning space have not yet reached the minimum requirements – which shows that,  in Malaysia, principals have not yet been able to fully implement the  constructs of digital leadership. This indicates that the principal needs to  fill the gaps that still exist in his management and administration. The  findings of the study also indicate that digital learning opportunities and  digital learning communities are two indicators of excellence in the professional  practice of teachers (Zhong, 2017
) found that the functions of the digital  learning space have not yet reached the minimum requirements – which shows that,  in Malaysia, principals have not yet been able to fully implement the  constructs of digital leadership. This indicates that the principal needs to  fill the gaps that still exist in his management and administration. The  findings of the study also indicate that digital learning opportunities and  digital learning communities are two indicators of excellence in the professional  practice of teachers (Zhong, 2017
 ).  Principals need to provide professional development opportunities to ensure that  teachers can acquire the practical skills to develop their professional  practice.
).  Principals need to provide professional development opportunities to ensure that  teachers can acquire the practical skills to develop their professional  practice. 
Principals, therefore, need to devise professional improvement programs to help teachers implement digital teaching practices. This will give teachers the confidence and motivation to continue to practice digital teaching, which will increase the effectiveness of student learning. The findings of this study can be used as a guide for the MOE, IAB, JPN and PPD to organize appropriate leadership programs that will encourage and motivate school administrators to develop their digital leadership characteristics. In this way, education can create a generation with digital capabilities in line with the goals of the National Education Policy to utilize ICT in education to produce knowledgeable and highly skilled citizens. Furthermore, the MOE is committed to strengthening school performance and student achievement by improving the quality and efficiency of the national education system.
| Citation| N. Hafiza  Hamzah; M. Khalid M. Nasir; Jamalullail Abdul Wahab (2021). The Effects of  Principals’ Digital Leadership on Teachers’ Digital Teaching during the  Covid-19 Pandemic in Malaysia. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, 8(2):  216-221. | 
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