MANAGEMENT (discussing)
As was developed through the identification and theory surrounding technology integration, administration need to develop plans/opportunities for teaching staff to implement technology within their classrooms. School administrators are a key variable in effectively working to change the school culture. In turn, this has a marked effect on teacher’s perceptions and use of technology (Ertmer & Ottenbreit- Leftwich, 2013). Schiavone (2012) asserts that managers play a crucial role in technology integration. They need to know why new technology is an improvement over the past, and need to do so in a positive way. Administration can play a critical role here through “a thorough understanding of computer technologies capabilities, embracing the use of technology in their own professional lives, and by taking a leadership role in using technology effectively and efficiently” (Kara-Soteriou, 2009, p. 92-93). Through their leadership and vision, a technology plan can be developed with all professional input incorporated. Further, it is up to educational leaders to “facilitate collaborative technology enriched learning environments” and “model effective use of technology” (Kara-Soteriou, 2009, p 92). As a result, two key characteristic frameworks for successful technology integration address the responsibilities for administration when leading change, and positively promoting technology within classrooms.
Kara - Soteriou (2009) presents Technology Standards for School Administrators in her article Promoting Technology Integration Through the Leadership of School Administrators.
Table 1: Six Technology Standards for School Administrators
Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich (2010) note six characteristics of schools with successful technology integration in their article Teacher Technology Change: How Knowledge, Confidence, Beliefs, and Culture Intersect. The characteristics flow from a culture of collaboration and support driven by vision and administrative leadership.
Table 2: Characteristics of Schools with Successful Technology Integration
Technology integration plans are another opportunity for administration to put into practice the theory surrounding successful technology integration. In British Columbia, one of the opportunities that administration have is to develop school growth plans that incorporate technology integration into school culture. One example comes from a school in Kamloops, British Columbia. Juniper Ridge Elementary School provides publicly funded education to around 400 K-7 students. As seen below and given as a direct link, one of the two school growth plan goals developed by the administration in consultation with teaching staff promotes the positive integration of web based literacy into the curriculum. This integration of web based literacy has underlying opportunities/needs for technology integration and support, addressing infrastructure/funding issues, Administrative comfort levels and resistance to change from teaching staff. The School growth plan for 2013-2016 includes the following school growth plan goals, abilities to successfully adopt technology, and indicators that there has been successful achievement of these standards.
Kara - Soteriou (2009) presents Technology Standards for School Administrators in her article Promoting Technology Integration Through the Leadership of School Administrators.
Table 1: Six Technology Standards for School Administrators
- Leadership and Vision
- Learning and Teaching
- Productivity and Professional Practice
- Support Management and Integration
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Social, Legal and Ethical Issues (Kara-Soteriou, 2009, p. 92-93)
Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich (2010) note six characteristics of schools with successful technology integration in their article Teacher Technology Change: How Knowledge, Confidence, Beliefs, and Culture Intersect. The characteristics flow from a culture of collaboration and support driven by vision and administrative leadership.
Table 2: Characteristics of Schools with Successful Technology Integration
- They were well-equipped with ICT
- Their focus was on changing the process of learning using ICT
- Skills were acquired as part of the process of using them purposefully
- They provide support
- Teacher had opportunities to discuss problems with peers and facilitators and explore solutions over time
- The nature of students learning changed along with the established epistemologies (Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, 2010, p. 265)
Technology integration plans are another opportunity for administration to put into practice the theory surrounding successful technology integration. In British Columbia, one of the opportunities that administration have is to develop school growth plans that incorporate technology integration into school culture. One example comes from a school in Kamloops, British Columbia. Juniper Ridge Elementary School provides publicly funded education to around 400 K-7 students. As seen below and given as a direct link, one of the two school growth plan goals developed by the administration in consultation with teaching staff promotes the positive integration of web based literacy into the curriculum. This integration of web based literacy has underlying opportunities/needs for technology integration and support, addressing infrastructure/funding issues, Administrative comfort levels and resistance to change from teaching staff. The School growth plan for 2013-2016 includes the following school growth plan goals, abilities to successfully adopt technology, and indicators that there has been successful achievement of these standards.
Shared School Growth Improvement Plan Shared by: Don Poelzer, Principal, Juniper Ridge Elementary School