Leadership Principles in Leadership Principles in TechnologyTechnology

Information Gathered fromThe Knowledge Loom: Technology Leadership

Amanda TuckerFall 2008

VisionVision sets the course for action.

All of those involved should be a part of the creation and implementation of the vision.

A good leader should…◦ present the vision in a way that shows the

value, effectiveness, and importance of technology vision to school community.

Vision – ExampleMaine School Administrative District

#11Gardiner, ME

“Thanks to the vision of its superintendent,

administrators, and teacher leaders and the support

of the local community, the schools of Maine School

Administrative District #11 (MSAD #11), in the rural

center of the state, have become a model for

educational technology.”

For the full feature story, click here

PlanningPlanning is the road map for

success.

Technology plans must adapt with our ever-changing world.

A good leader should…◦ consistently reassess and make

improvements to the technology plan to ensure its effectiveness.

Planning – Example Deer Park Elementary School

Centreville, VA

“The school's technology plan focuses on curricular goals, but keeps an eye on new and emerging technologies that might impact education.”

For the full feature story, click here

AccessAccess granted!

All faculty, staff, and students of all all ability levels should have access to technology.

A good leader should…◦ consider how the equipment will be safe

and secure, yet also accessible.

Access – Example Bernice Hart Elementary School

Austin, TX

“Each classroom was then equipped with at least two

networked workstations with direct connection to the

Internet and e-mail. This equipment was part of a

state-of-the-art technology infrastructure…”

For the full feature story, click here

IntegrationIntegrate = integral

Technology should not simply be an add-on to the curriculum, but rather an essential element in successful learning.

A good leader should…◦ model by example and show how to

integrate technology as much as possible; including their own daily work.

Integration – ExampleWhitney Young Elementary School

Louisville, KY

“All school staff members -- teachers, administrators, teacher aides, food service personnel, and custodians -- were invited to participate. The main goal of the program was to increase staff's self-confidence, while enhancing the academic and technological skills of students.”

To read more about their Webquest and Online Projects program, click here

Assessment and EvaluationAssessment and evaluation serve as the

necessary checks and balances for teaching and learning.

Instruction, at its best, is guided by assessment. Teachers should reflect and evaluate strategies in order to create assessment tools that are more efficient and effective.

A good leader should…◦ try as well as showcase for colleagues new

technological ideas in the area of assessment.

Assessment – ResearchUsing Technology for Assessment:

“Hardware and software that can be utilized for assessment include videoconferencing equipment (which can help with conducting screening interviews), computer-based scoring (which not only accelerates the scoring process, but reduces errors often associated with hand-scoring), expert diagnostic systems, and test development software (Bahr & Bahr, 1997).”

Bahr, M. W. & Bahr, C. M. (1997). Educational assessment in the next millennium: Contributions of technology. Preventing School Failure, 41(2), 90.

For more information on the research in this area, click here

SupportWith the right support, you can teach

an old dog new tricks.

It is important to provide the support and training teachers need in order to feel comfortable integrating technology in their own classrooms.

A good leader should…◦ provide school with support both mentally,

in the way of help and encouragement, as well as physically, in the way of convenient access to the technology.

Support – Example Deer Park Elementary School

Centreville, VA

In addition to technical and pedagogical support,

“The school also supports students and helps them to become familiar with complex software applications, such as spreadsheets and databases, through age-appropriate software and activities that focus on curricular goals.”

For the full feature story, click here

Professional Development Professional development

supports life-long learning.

Training, in the form of professional development, is vital to become a better educator.

A good leader should…◦ provide sufficient, meaningful

learning experiences for teachers and staff.

Professional Development – Example

Louisiana’s America2000 Technology Innovation ProgramMacon Ridge, LA

A complete professional development program:“Macon Ridge has been cited as a success story by the EDC precisely because the online work is integrated into a complete professional development plan—a plan that includes on-site technical assistance, workshops, and training.”

For the full feature story, click here

Community RelationshipsCollaboration should extend outside

school boundaries.

The greater community is often an untapped resource for the necessary funding and support needed for change and improvement.

A good leader should… ◦ reach outside school to larger

community in order to accomplish goals.

Community Relationships – Example

Canfield Avenue Elementary SchoolMine Hill, NJ“To achieve his vision of supporting curriculum with technology, Palestis used the success of the family programs and their wide base of community support to develop a multi-year technology plan. With curricular goals as a focus, a technology advisory committee was created from teachers, parents, board members, administrators, and community members, some of whom were experts in technology-related fields.”

For full feature story, click here

Ethical and Legal IssuesEthical and Legal IssuesBe smart and safe about the issues.

It is important to for students, parents, faculty, and staff to follow the rules and regulations and also to be aware of the potential dangers related to technology.

A good leader should…◦ model acceptable use and provide

education on the policies and procedures.

Ethical and Legal Issues – Research

Using the Internet“Make decisions about Internet use based on your experiences and policies with existing instructional tools and on research about strategies and tools that increase the Internet's potential to support teaching and learning.”

Burke, 2000; Mason, 1997; Pownell & Bailey,1999 See next slide for full references

To read more about the research in this area, click here

Additional ReferencesBurke, J. (2000). Rights, risks and

responsibilities: Students and the Internet. Atlanta, GA: Southern Regional Education Board.

Mason, M. G. (1997). Sex, kids, and the public library. American Libraries, 28(6). 104-105.

Pownell, D. & Bailey, G. (1999). Electronic fences or free-range students: Should schools use Internet filtering software? Learning & Leading with Technology, 27(1), 50-57.