ITSE+Standard+TF-VIII

**Contribute to the shared vision for campus integration of technology and foster an environment and culture conducive to the realization of the vision.**

“The foundation for successful technology implementation requires educators and policy makers to possess a viable vision for technology use, enact the vision and link the vision to other important organizational endeavors” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p. 179). From this standard I learned that “developing a vision is a critical component of school improvement and school leadership; in addition, the development of a vision is an evolutionary process” (Jones & Crochet, 2007). Once the vision is in place, plans and decisions, regarding technology and professional development to improve student achievement, are based on it.

The new Chief Technology Officer has a vision of improving the district’s technology infrastructure, equipment, and computers through a four-year lifecycle plan. To implement this vision, the Project Manager had to coordinate the bid process, equipment orders, campus preparations and contractors for every installation, which meant having a clear plan and timeline in place to meet the deadlines. I found that there are many departments and people involved throughout the process of any project, needing to coordinate with facilities, contractors, electricians, and network technicians to insure the current infrastructure could support it.

Reviewing our campus plan with the Site-Based Decision-Making (SBDM) committee and having analyzed the district’s technology plan, I was surprised that we did not have specific technology objectives that correlated to the district’s technology or improvement plans. I began to understand that without a clear vision and goal for implementing technology into the curriculum, any technology initiative would be unsuccessful. As I work on the SBDM, I provided insight and information on best practices regarding the integration of technology in the classroom in order for it to be included as a goal on the Campus Improvement Plan.

Mills (2007) stated, “Educational leaders can and should play a major role in understanding and supporting Web 2.0 technologies” as many students are already proficient (p. 4). Many Web 2.0 tools can help move instruction from “stand and deliver” to one where students are collaborating, creating, and posting of their own work. Using this as a starting point, I began to create a resource website that had pages with current technology practices and a list of Web 2.0 options to include in the lessons. I found this to be a way for teachers to easily access the information, without having to perform the research themselves.

Taking time to research the various ways to include technology in the classroom and how it impacts student success made me think about my own teaching career and how I could have improved my students’ success. With the district and campus initiatives, it is difficult to keep up with all the changes in technology without being overwhelmed, especially when looking at Web 2.0 tools//.// By focusing on a few tools at a time that meet the needs of the teachers, I have been able to encourage several teachers, even some who have never attempted, to use technology in their lessons (Pileiro, 2011).

As I worked with the SBDM, administrators and teachers to develop their technology knowledge and skills, I took time to review my strategies and make adjustments as needed. In the discussion forums, I want to share the barriers I was facing in helping administrators and teachers to make the paradigm shift to understand why technology that was not available and a part of their education is important to 21st Century students. My colleagues were able to provide me with suggestions and support with this endeavor.

As a technology leader, I will be cognizant of the significance of a technology vision and its role in the successful implementation of technology in the educational setting. I also need to be certain I include not just how to use the technology when I deliver professional development, but to include instructional strategies for effective technology use in the curriculum. Use of the wikis and discussion boards will continue to be a source of future learning regarding online training resources that are available for students and teachers. I wonder if the all stakeholders, both district and campus level, shared the same technology vision, if technology initiatives would be more successful?

Jones, L. & Crochet, F. (2007). The importance of visions for schools and school improvement. //Connexions//. Retrieved June 3, 2009, from [].

Mills, L. B. (2007). The next wave now: Web 2.0. //The Education Digest//, 73(4), 4-5.

Pileiro, F. (2011, April). Web 2.0 - Like drinking water from a fire hose. //Tech & Learning//. Retrieved May 12, 2010 from [].

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Washington, DC: International Society for Technology Education. 