EDTC 6433 Module 5 Blog Post

Promoting Lifelong Learning as a Technology Leader

The question that I set out to answer for the fifth ISTE standard is “How can I promote lifelong learning of technology to improve professional practice as my building’s technology team leader?”.  I am particularly focusing on section B of this ISTE standard: “Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others”.  This portion of the standard is important to me because our building’s technology team is currently redesigning our vision for teacher use of technology and is deciding how to best implement some technology chances in a way that would appeal to all teachers. 

One article that I read that helped with gaining more information in this area is “The Administrator’s Role in Technology Integration”.  While this article is geared towards administrators and how they can promote effective use of technology within the classroom, it still made some valuable points to all building technology leaders.  The article stressed modeling of technology and provided examples of how administration can effectively model technology.  Some examples were displaying a website, emailing out agendas rather than printing them, and attending technology conferences.  Another important aspect that the article focuses on is providing enough support and encouragement for staff members.  It pointed out that even if technology is up to date, many teachers may not yet have the tools to effectively use the technology.  It suggested working in technology professional development regularly.  Finally, the article was summarized by a bulleted list of things teachers need to know, what they need to do, and what needs to be provided for them (Starr 2009). 

When discussing this ISTE standard with other classmates, I found various resources that, though they were addressing administrator roles in technology, were helpful to answer my question.  Specifically, the article “8 Skills to Look for in a Director of Technology” that was shared was applicable.  It resonated with me because it focused on qualities that all good teachers should have, rather than specific technology skills.  It even went as far as saying that the best technology leaders aren’t always your most skilled IT people, because that is not all of your job when you are involved in educational technology.  This is something that can be applied to my position as well (Wolpert-Gawron 2016).  While I am very comfortable with technology and the easiest thing for me may be to just do something for another staff member, the most valuable thing for our building is to promote independence.

After doing some more research, I have a better understanding of the qualities I’d like to have as a technology leader in my building and steps I can take to get there.  I also have a better understanding of what other teachers may be looking for in this type of leader and what I can do to best meet their needs while still promoting lifelong learning.  As I consider next steps, I would love to dig deeper into how to promote effective use of social media as a tool for professional development. While I love using social media as an educator, I often find it hard to explain how I use it to others or to provide solid reasoning behind why it is an effective form of PD.  This is something that I would like to set as a goal for myself as I move further into the year as a technology leader. 

Wolpert-Gawron, H. (2016, January 25). 8 Skills to Look for in a Director of Technology. Retrieved December 03, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/8-skills-look-director-technology-heather-wolpert-gawron

The Administrator's Role in Technology Integration. (n.d.). Retrieved December 03, 2017, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech087.shtml