6 Strategies to Help Principals Become Technology Leaders

There is no question about it technology is the driving force behind leadership. Leadership that embraces change, learning, communication, and diversity, is what technology enhances when it comes to principals.  NCES (2002) states “"Leadership is the single most important factor affecting the successful integration of technology. This is true at the state level and at the school level. Schools that have made the most progress are those with energetic and committed leaders””  (Technology, 2002). Whitehead, Jenson, and Boschee (2013)  gave a great example of a Project Outline that can help provide structure and direction for leadership when it comes to technology. Technology helps drive the vision for all leaders for several reasons. For one, technology gives staff more flexibility. For example, Meetings can take place over audio/video messaging instead of in-person faculty meetings. Leaders are influencers, so technology allows for  wide-reaching channels of communication. They can influence their staff, motivate their team, build community involvement and connect with peers through various social media platforms and blogging.

According to Morrison (2006) there are Six Strategies to help principals become technology leaders. I am going to expound on three of those.

ESTABLISH THE TEAM: The principal should first identify teachers who have already embraced technology and are excited by its potential. At our school, we have a technology leader, but she can definitely use a whole team.

ASSESS FACULTY’S NEEDS: The next step is to assess the faculty’s technology strengths and needs, which will drive the school’s staff development efforts. at my school, we use technology surveys through Google Forms given out at the end of the year to help determine the needs of our staff.

MODEL TECHNOLOGY USE AND PRACTICES: The traditional role of the principal has been to manage the school’s day-to-day operations. But in today’s world, principals are also expected to be architects of change by modeling and encouraging effective practices. One of the things that I advise my principle 

References:

Dunham, C. (2012). Principals Roles and Responsibilities in Technology Integration in Rural Georgia . Digital Commons @Southern Georgia. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1788&context=etd

Morrison, B., & Rapides Parish School District. (2006, October 31). 6 Strategies to Help Principals Become Technology Leaders. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2006/10/6-strategies-help-principals-become-technology-leaders

Technology in Schools. (2002, November). Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2003/tech_schools/chapter7.asp#4

Whitehead, B. M., Jensen, D., & Boschee, F. (2013). Planning for technology: a guide for school administrators, technology coordinators, and curriculum leaders. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, a Sage Company.