In today's classroom, technology plays a vital role. Technology can make a positive impact on education if teachers implement it in the correct way.
Administrators play a huge role in how technology is viewed and used within their building. According to Frazier and Hearrington (2024) administrators must can support by, "offering professional development opportunities, allocating resources, creating a supportive culture, and establishing clear expectations and guidelines."
When administrators have a positive view of technology and display that in their words and actions, that trickles down into how their teachers view it as well. If technology is valued and used in front of them, teachers are more likely to feel the need for it to be used in their classrooms as well. Administrators can help change the perception of technology being viewed negatively all by how they talk about it and use it. According to Ellickson (2023), administrators need to encourage teachers to be innovative with technology as well. Giving teachers the freedom to explore and experiment will help spark excitement and promote its use.
In order for teachers to feel confident in the use of technology, professional development is key. Administrators must find a way to push and provide professional development so that teachers can keep up with and learn all about the ever changing world of technology. Professional development is a huge help when trying to find ways to implement technology into their classrooms. Even if this PD is as simple as having teachers within their own building share how they are using technology in their classrooms. Frazier and Hearrington (2024) point out that PLCs are a great place for teachers to share their experiences with technology with each other.
Funding is extremely important when it comes to technology. Administrators need to be intentional about growing a budget to support the technology needs within their building. Teachers will see that technology is important to an administrator when they witness their administrator actively seeking funds to purchase technology needs. Ellickson (2023) mentions that administrators can also help promote technology use by providing funding for professional development from outside resources that may be helpful for teachers.
Ellickson (2023) discusses the importance of having rules and procedures in place and how administrators need to set clear expectations for how technology is used at their school. Hopefully the system in which the school is in has an acceptable use policy in place. Administrators are responsible for making sure that the AUP is enforced. Frazier and Hearrington (2024) explains the importance of teachers having a clear understanding and respect for FERPA and CIPA as well as the need for teaching digital literacy.
Education is all about making decisions and doing what is best to meet the needs of all students. It is important that students have experience with technology and understand digital citizenship as they leave high school and move into either the workforce or on to college. It is the responsibility of the school administrator to make sure that this happens inside the classroom and that teachers are equipped to meet the needs of their students.
References
Ellickson, A. (2023, July 21). 4 ways admins can support teachers’ technology use. eSchool News. https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2023/07/28/4-ways-admins-can-support-teachers-technology-use/
Frazier, M., Hearrington, D. (2024). Technology coordinator's handbook, Fourth edition: A guide to edtech facilitators and leaders. Portland, Oregon: International Society for Technology Education.
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Mallory,
ReplyDeleteI love your point on how administrators play a vital role in the success of new technology implementation. Thompson, L. (2021) states, "It can be extremely frustrating for teachers when there’s an expectation for them to use technology in their classrooms and administrators don’t use it themselves during staff meetings, etc." (para. 5). Administrators have a responsibility to ensure that their faculty not only feel comfortable with using the new hardware/software, but are also able to observe the leadership level utilizing (as best they can) the technology as well. As you mentioned, school leaders must provide strong professional development in the new technology to ensure the success of the initiative. Frazier and Hearrington (2024) state, "...teacher professional development is essential for ensuring that changes are implemented consistently and effectively across a school or education system." (p. 76). Without robust and effective professional development and an administration level who are keyed into and on board with technology initiatives, new technology does not have a chance to succeed in today's schools. Great post!
References
Frazier, M., Hearrington, D. (2024). Technology coordinator's handbook, Fourth edition: A guide to edtech facilitators and leaders. Portland, Oregon: International Society for Technology Education.
Thompson, V. (2021, Sept. 13). Leading the way on technology integration. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/leading-way-technology-integration/
Mallory, I loved your post because we both chose the same topic. I too feel that administrators play an important role in how technology is implemented and that teachers getting the proper support through professional development. Administrators also build school culture valuing collaboration, communication, and community involvement. Starr (2009) notes principals greatly impact school climate by working with teachers, parents, and students to create a shared vision for success. Frazier and Hearrington (2017) state, "The coordinator must foster teaching and learning with technology for maximum success and impact" (p. 141). By investing in educators and embracing technology, administrators foster learning environments that inspire both students and teachers.
ReplyDeleteReferences
Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2017). The technology coordinator's handbook: A guide for edtech facilitators and leaders (3rd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Starr, L. (2009). The administrator's role in technology integration. Education World. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech087.shtml