1. "Technology does not improve student
achievement. Technology supports the
instructional processes that improve student
achievement."
David Jakes
2. “Reading, math and science are the foundations
of student achievement. But to compete and win
in the global economy, today’s students and
tomorrow’s leaders need another set of
knowledge and skills. These 21st century skills
include the development of global awareness
and the ability to collaborate and communicate
and analyze and address problems. And they
need to rely on critical thinking and problem
solving to create innovative solutions to the
issues facing our world. Every child should have
the opportunity to acquire and master these
skills and our schools play a vital role in making
this happen.”
MICHAEL DELL, CEO, Dell, Inc
3.
4. As education experiences reform and
change, good communication from school leaders is
more important than ever. All of media is frequently
discussing educational trends. Add to that, the ever
evolving changes in the world of technology. It is
more important than ever for school leaders to have
clear communication strategies. A clear message
from school leadership around educational programs
supported by technology is necessary to provide
quality programs that make a difference for the
students we serve. These strategies explain the
school’s vision for change and encourage
collaboration and participation within the school
community.
5. Share the vision for 21st Century change and
improvement at your school and explain
technology’s role in supporting this.
Explain how specific school programs and
initiatives relate to that vision.
Invite members of the school community to be a
part of, create and periodically evaluate the
school’s technology plans.
Explain Vygotsky’s theories which propound
collaborative learning using technology. It enables
learners to develop their capacity for critical
thought precisely because it is collaborative in
nature.
6. Highlight technology trends and their impact on the school,
teachers and students.
Point out emerging trends and encourage discussion on how
they may be incorporated in to the school program as
needed.
Pilot new technologies and share the results with your
school community.
Celebrate examples of enriched student learning supported
by new technologies.
Routinely encourage students and teachers to use
collaborative and creative tools.
Discuss the Zone of Proximal Development or ZDP which
represents the gap between the tools they have on hand to
solve problems independently and the potential they have to
solve problems with the aid of an adult.
7.
8. Communicate clearly professional development goals
and offerings .
Motivate teachers to know how to access best
resources for technology enriched lesson planning and
learning.
Encourage the use of social
media, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Google +, to
communicate and disseminate information .
Encourage teachers to use social media to learn and
expand professional practice. Is this also taught to and
expected of teachers? Do they know how to create a
their own learning network?
Motivate teachers to take advantage of video chat such
as skype or online webcasts when needed.
9. Share goals and give project updates on technology
related projects.
Incase of share goals and give project updates on
technology related projects.
In case of problems have planned solutions explained
so that staff feels supported.
Give teachers and students clear instructions for how
to get tech support and technology applications
support.
Improve infrastructure and related goals regularly to
support digital age learning.
To develop, nurture, and flourish the whole child in the
context of a high-stakes testing policy and to identify
strategies that would make it possible for teachers to
pursue a more balanced approach to whole child
concept.
10. Evidence indicates that when used effectively,
"technology applications can support higher-
order thinking by engaging students in
authentic, complex tasks within collaborative
learning contexts".
Use accumulating knowledge regarding the
circumstances under which technology supports
the broad definition of student achievement that
best meet the particular needs of your school.
Ensure that teachers, parents, students, and
community members understand what role
technology is playing in the school and how its
impact is being evaluated.
11. How can the school leader ensure that the
promise that technology holds for student
achievement is realized?
What factors need to be in place to support and
sustain the effective use of technology?
What other resources can the school leader use
to help plan for technology that will have a
positive impact on student achievement.
Keep posted on ongoing studies about how this
model of integrated technology-supported
learning emphasizes the ability to
access, interpret, and synthesize information
instead of rote memorization and the acquisition
of isolated skills.
12. Administrators must acknowledge and recognize
incremental improvements in student outcomes
as well as changes in teachers' curricula and
practices.
Gradual progress, rather than sudden
transformation, is more likely to result in long-
term change.
Technology can facilitate deep exploration and
integration of information, high-level
thinking, and profound engagement by allowing
students to design, explore, experiment, access
information, and model complex phenomena.
These new circumstances and opportunities--not
the technology on its own--can have a direct and
meaningful impact on student achievement.
