From the Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support section of the Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology, this area encompasses the implementation of technology and sustaining school improvement and technology innovation. Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a vision and being a catalyst for change.
I think the vision is key to the success of this plan. Administrators must help others see what is possible and lead the way. It is imperative for our educational leaders to embrace change and technological advances with confidence and courage. On my campus, the principal is very supportive of innovation and encourages risk-taking among the staff in implementing technology into the curriculum. He continually seeks out effective strategies to integrate modern approaches with the delivery of instruction.
Budgeting is always a priority. Without funding, new hardware and programs cannot be purchased. Leaders must be mindful of the applications of available technology to ensure that they are getting to most bang for their buck. Many districts are utilizing freeware or shareware to reduce the cost of obtaining programs.
My recommendation for improvement in this area is simply to examine before investing. Monetary resources are so tight right now that no one can afford to invest in technology that may quickly become obsolete or does not meet the needs for which it is intended. Before purchasing expensive hardware or software components, I would complete a needs assessment and prioritize what is most important. I would seek out others that are currently using the equipment or programs and seek advice on its quality. I would also make sure that training and support is adequate to ensure that my teachers will use the technology and it doesn’t just gather dust.
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