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Building based leaders, such as administrators, set the expectations for technology use in their buildings. Whitehead, Jenson and Boschee (2013) list “include effectiveness of technology use in the teaching and learning process as one criterion in assessing performance of instructional staff” as a role of an effective technology leader (p. 36). In order for a principal to know what this looks like in classrooms, they must participate in professional development of their own. “One of the most important keys to school reform” according to Whitehead et al. (2013) “is making professional development a priority” (p. 66). Included in making it a priority, it is imperative for teachers while it should also be a priority for administrators.
One way administrators can approach professional development opportunities for themselves is through “the Teacher Leaders Network (TLN) [which] is a professional community of accomplished educators dedicated to sharing ideas” (Whitehead et al., 2013, p. 72). TLNs are also known as Professional Learning Networks (PLN) and are extremely popular on Twitter. According to the research completed in 2018 by Trust, Torrey, Carpenter, Jeffrey Paul, Krutka, Daniel G., one administrator stated “ I saw technology as a tool for learning and not an end product” as a result of the PLN experience (n.p.). “Traditional top-down professional development (PD) models have historically sought to mold educators to institutional aims through synchronous, face-to-face activities that require dedicated time and sometimes physical travel” (Trust et al., 2018, n.p.). “These online networks are designed to allow educators in any state, region, or nation to bond together as influential professional learning communities” (Whitehead et al., 2013, p. 72). The role of an administrator doesn’t allow for much time out of the building to participate in hours of professional development. They can access their PLN on the go and in between school duties. It allows for flexibility within the realm of PD.
Once administrators have used PLNs and experienced the benefits for themselves, they can model this form of PD with their faculty and encourage them to use it as well. Below is a quick tool to help you get started with your own.
Retrieved from http://www.linkinglearning.com.au/develop-your-pln/
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Comments
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI agree that principals/administrators set the tone for technology use in the building. If principals are not part of learning communities that engage in new tools and research, they cannot expect their teachers to place an importance on those things, either. Machado and Chung (2015) place the responsibility for technology use with administrators. They argue, "If principals do not place a value on technology in the classroom, an integral piece of the puzzle is missing" (p. 43). Principals can show they value technology by using it during faculty meetings, including technology components in lesson plan templates, or allowing teachers space to try new, innovative tools and projects in their classrooms. Technology integration needs administrative support to be successful.
Resource
Machado, L. J., & Chung, C.-J. (2015). Integrating technology: The principals’ role and effect. International Education Studies, 8(5), 43–53. Retrieved from http://search. ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1060918&site=eds-live
Ashley, i feel like shouting from the tallest mountain that administrators set the tone and that enthusiasm flows from the top down. Somehow, everyone knows this yet I see it as a problem in schools in and in organizations.. I like you view on Professional Developement. What kind of Professional Developement is offered most where you are? I know it is different there where you work. I've always been a big fan of the "Train the Trainer" model. Gleason (2017) wrote that “the (Train the Trainer) model is well-suited for disseminating specific information quickly.” Served me well in the past and I think it works just as well everywhere.. Good one.
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References
Gleeson, P. (2017, August 28). What Is the Train the Trainer Model? Retrieved February 17, 2020, from https://work.chron.com/train-trainer-model-5463.html.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI love the point you made about administrators role in setting the tone for technology in the building. Whitehead et al. (2013) describe one of the roles of principals as, "developing a collaborative, technology-rich school improvement plan, grounded in research and aligned with the district strategic plan" (p. 35). Their leadership and enthusiasm truly shapes the schools and helps them to accomplish change in a school!
References
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.