Technology Leadership

The article discusses the importance of digital literacy for educators and the role of leadership in integrating technology in schools. Many teachers feel unprepared to use technology effectively with students. The article emphasizes the need for teachers to be digitally literate and highlights the impact of leadership on student achievement. It suggests that leaders should be digitally literate themselves and support teachers in implementing new technology. The study also shows the positive effect of technology leadership on teachers' integration of technology. Continuous learning and embracing technology are crucial for leaders in order to inspire others and prepare for the future. Hi, my name is Michelle and I want to share a little bit of what I learned from the article that I read called Effective Principles Technology Leadership on Teachers Technology Integration written by Favia Amar and Dara Elian. Digital literacy is vital for the 21st century educator, yet many educators report not feeling confident or prepared to incorporate technology effectively with their students, which I read in an article written by Hall. In the journal Discourse and Communications for Sustainable Education, Sita Gunjula stresses the importance of the role of an educator in equipping our students to use technology effectively. He states, these results reveal the importance of information literacy levels of teachers, especially since being important and productive in digital learning environments depends on digital literacy skills. Patolo and Sulakhai stress that in the 21st century, our students must be digitally literate and for this to happen, the teacher must be digitally literate. And yet technology is constantly changing and educators are being asked to learn new and innovative ways to learn and teach in their classrooms. Teachers would be more willing to use new technology if they have solid support. This would allow them to take more risks in implementing new technology if they know that help is needed, as seen by an article written by Morrison. Leadership therefore plays a very important role in helping schools assist their teachers to embrace technology and therefore preparing our students for the 21st century. Leaders play an important role, not only in the success of the school itself, but also in the lives of students and the teachers. The Wallace Foundation studied leadership and its impact in education and their study showed that not only the teacher, but also the principal has a huge impact on student achievement. And leadership approach directly correlates to school outcomes. Another study conducted by Pertumod and Bellow in 2018 showed that the leader's dedication to their work is greatly influenced, again, by leadership. Amar and Elian found in their research that leadership is foundational when schools are implementing technology in schools. They also encourage leaders to be digitally literate and see themselves as technology leaders. Therefore they would have a huge impact on their teachers' willingness to adapt to a new technology. Digital leadership is a form of leadership that is able to guide and shape the evolution and application of technology. Based on Amar and Elian's research, examining technology leadership using the five constructs, which are systemic improvement, visionary leadership, excellence in professional practice, digital age learning culture, and digital citizenship, results show a very positive effect for teachers' integration for technology when their leadership is applying these five constructs. Leaders need to realize the impact they can have on their teachers and that their attitude towards technology has a huge impact on how others will view it as well. To continue the movement towards technology integration, we need to have capable technology leadership. Since technology is constantly evolving, leaders must continue to learn and lead utilizing technology leadership so they can inspire others to embrace technology. Another study was conducted in China looking at technology leadership and how their teachers' technology integration capabilities improved with many beneficial outcomes because of the leadership. Technology again is constantly changing and we are being asked to learn new and innovative ways to teach in our classrooms. But we must not forget the importance that leadership plays in allowing this to happen. Leaders must continue to be technology leaders themselves. They must advocate for these five constructs, which are systemic improvement, visionary leadership, excellence in professional practice, digital age learning culture, and digital citizenship. Leaders can make a difference and help prepare for whatever this new technological age gives us. Be a technology leader and help us make a difference.