The most positive aspect of my pilot project has been the rich conversations our tech team has had with our administrators around the ISTE Standards for Education Leaders. Since my initial project centered on implementing an app development club, I am happy that I took the leap to choose a project that would encompass a more ambitious goal. I believe the ISTE Standards will prove to be helpful with guiding and inspiring our administrative team.
The materials that we read and viewed for this Leadership class reinforced a feeling I’ve had for a while, that the impetus to change is stunted when administrators lack the passion and belief that technology can enhance learning, or that they remain silent because they fear pressuring teachers too much. As Matt Harris, Ed.D. mentions repeatedly in his vlog, leaders need to have an EdTech vision for their school. It’s heartening that our superintendent has requested that we find a book for administrators to read over the summer that addresses the why of tech integration. We are moving in the right direction!
I’m still quite excited about working with administrators on the ISTE Standards. The fact that our superintendent is now tweeting is such a thrill! I believe the pilot experience has enhanced my growth as a Tech Leader by making me more aware of opportunities to collaborate with others around specific proposals for change that include data collection. I would like to learn more about how to better analyze qualitative data, too. As far as next steps go, my plan is to continue as a Technology Specialist in my district. In the upcoming years I may look at opportunities to do this job at a school abroad.
