A dialogue on technology and education leadership

"I would advocate for the 'drivers' of the project to be the educators among us rather than the technologists. I believe the project is an education project facilitated by technology rather than one where technology is at the forefront"

This is an opinion expressed recently by a teacher and curriculum materials developer, which was analysed to be formed through insufficient communication and feedback.

At e-Learning Jamaica, we have decided to engage administrators and teachers in a relatively new medium for most persons in education in Jamaica. The medium we have chosen is a blog. It is more public than email, or a listserv, however, it can be highly participatory.

The comment highlighted above can become one of our early discussion points. If you have a strong opinion, we are sure you will find out how to create and append, respond to blogs. Your peers at school will also want to get involved.

This blog is really about leadership. Who should lead ? Is it about technology, learning or both? Or should I just play along until I get my hands on the goodies?

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has published standards for Administrators in relation to technology leadership. We will just share the first few here. They will tell what are some expectations of world-class education leadership.This too can help frame the discussion.


National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A)
- Standards and Performance Indicators -
Reprinted with permission from National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators,
published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), NETS Project, copyright © 2002,
ISTE, (800) 336-5191 (U.S. & Canada) or (541) 302-3777 (International), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved.

I. LEADERSHIP AND VISION

Educational leaders inspire a shared vision for comprehensive
integration of technology and foster an environment and culture
conducive to the realization of that vision

Educational leaders (display the following indicators)

A. facilitate the shared development by all stakeholders of a vision
for technology use and widely communicate that vision

B. maintain an inclusive and cohesive process to develop,
implement, and monitor a dynamic, long-range, and
systemic technology plan to achieve the vision

C. foster and nurture a culture of responsible risk-taking and
advocate policies promoting continuous innovation with
technology

D. use data in making leadership decisions

E. advocate for research-based effective practices in use of
technology

F. advocate on the state and national levels for policies, programs,
and funding opportunities that support implementation of
the district technology plan

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