Visionary Leadership - Education catching up to technology
When I began to read about the vast variety of technology available that can help to improve the engagement of all our students in the classroom, I began to wonder... why are we not using technology in my school district? I became so disappointed with myself as an educator because I certainly do not utilize enough technology within my own instruction. Suddenly, I became a little disenfranchised with the school district where I work, because, as I looked around I noticed that there isn't very much leadership that encourages the use of technology. However, I did more research and discovered that it is not just my school district that is lagging behind with its approach to technology. Many argue that the majority of educational institutions are not caught up with technology and do not implement it into instruction. “Leaders need to be aware of the changing educational
landscape, which includes societal shifts in technology use, advances in
educational technology, and a new type of learner. Acknowledging and beginning to understand
these changes are the first steps to developing a vision and strategic plan” (Sheninger,
2014) .
The link below is a Ted Talk by Charlene Li. Li talks about the importance of using technology to be an efficient leader in all areas of the workforce, not just education. She compares the communication of the past to the way communication happens today. In this digital era, workers, and students, want to have their voice heard; technology gives them a voice where they feel they can be heard.
https://www.ted.com/talks/charlene_li_efficient_leadership_in_the_digital_era
Consequently, I began to think about the leaders in my district who have a clear vision for technology integration into instruction. The special education director for elementary sprung to mind. The director believes that it is through the integration of technology that we can create a more inclusive learning environment for all students. She has an excellent leadership style, doing the research, talking to parents, and meeting with all educators, to discover the needs of all team members when it comes to teaching students with Individual Education Plans (IEP). The director organizes professional development which utilizes technology to target students' specific needs, and injects herself into the supportive, yet learning process.
Additionally, the director is not judgmental and is very willing to give advice and direction while remaining herself, open to suggestions. I too am an advocate for all students receiving a fully inclusive education whenever possible. The directior has begun to introduce a variety of new devices which enable students with special educational needs to remain in the regular education classroom. Some examples are voice prompts for non-verbal students, we are currently exploring the Bluebee Pals app for these students. Computer apps that support with reading skills is also being explored, the director has organized a team to explore the best apps for tablets and phones that can be used at home and school. Additionally website such as seasaw.com, that enable teachers and parents to work together from home and at school to target specific skills are also being explored.
The special education director has a clear vision for all special education students achieving success, and believes technology can provide the necessary tools to meet those needs while keeping students in the least restrictive environment. I believe this is a true visionary leader. Someone who inspires and leads the development and implementation of her her vision and facilitates this vision for purposeful change with the goal of maximizing the use of digital resources, as described in the International Society for Technology (ISTE) Standards for Visionary Leaders.
References
The link below is a Ted Talk by Charlene Li. Li talks about the importance of using technology to be an efficient leader in all areas of the workforce, not just education. She compares the communication of the past to the way communication happens today. In this digital era, workers, and students, want to have their voice heard; technology gives them a voice where they feel they can be heard.
https://www.ted.com/talks/charlene_li_efficient_leadership_in_the_digital_era
Consequently, I began to think about the leaders in my district who have a clear vision for technology integration into instruction. The special education director for elementary sprung to mind. The director believes that it is through the integration of technology that we can create a more inclusive learning environment for all students. She has an excellent leadership style, doing the research, talking to parents, and meeting with all educators, to discover the needs of all team members when it comes to teaching students with Individual Education Plans (IEP). The director organizes professional development which utilizes technology to target students' specific needs, and injects herself into the supportive, yet learning process.
Additionally, the director is not judgmental and is very willing to give advice and direction while remaining herself, open to suggestions. I too am an advocate for all students receiving a fully inclusive education whenever possible. The directior has begun to introduce a variety of new devices which enable students with special educational needs to remain in the regular education classroom. Some examples are voice prompts for non-verbal students, we are currently exploring the Bluebee Pals app for these students. Computer apps that support with reading skills is also being explored, the director has organized a team to explore the best apps for tablets and phones that can be used at home and school. Additionally website such as seasaw.com, that enable teachers and parents to work together from home and at school to target specific skills are also being explored.
The special education director has a clear vision for all special education students achieving success, and believes technology can provide the necessary tools to meet those needs while keeping students in the least restrictive environment. I believe this is a true visionary leader. Someone who inspires and leads the development and implementation of her her vision and facilitates this vision for purposeful change with the goal of maximizing the use of digital resources, as described in the International Society for Technology (ISTE) Standards for Visionary Leaders.
References
International Society for Technology Education
(ISTE). (2018, 29 8). Know the ISTE Standards for Administrators.
Retrieved from iste.org: https://www.iste.org/explore
Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital Leadership Changing
Paradigms for Changing Times. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.
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