Starrs - Information Technology

Final Reflections: While working through this module I have encountered some setback which forced me to change my approach, but I have managed to come this far.   The journey has not been smooth but certainly most enlightening. It is a very big undertaking to be a leader but with skills such as vision, good communication and determination the job can be accomplished.   I have been given an opportunity to focus on the positive side of leadership with an emphasis on the implementation of ICT in the learning environment.   As a result I have been able to discern through the various processes that a good leader is able to influence the direction of the school and as such is critically important to the school's vision.   I am therefore determined to improve on my leadership qualities so that I will become a great leader who will guide, direct and empower others to see the vision. Through several interactions with stakeholders while working on the various activities I am

I had some very interesting events while completing this module.  I was able to forge alliances with like-minded individuals who were very eager to get on board after seizing the vision.  This brought the idea of good communication to the fore and that if you are fully aware of what the projected end results are then you are able to sway individuals in accepting a new vision.  21st century learning is definitely going to happen and it needs proper planning and cooperation of stakeholders to bring this vision to reality.  New partnerships as well as strengthening old one is one such vehicle that can be used to make THIS happen. The future appears brighter...

What is a shared vision?  Big question! but when evaluated I have concluded that this is the way forward with the leader setting the standards and offering the opportunity for others to come along.  You can try to do it alone as a leader but the results may not be the desired ones contrary to having stakeholders work along to see the desired results. We are focused on the implementation of ICT in the school and this is the VISION.  How we are going to get this accomplished and who are the beneficiaries are just a few of the questions to be discussed prior to the process.  A good leader will ensure that there is a buy-in by the stakeholders and that teachers and students must be better for its implementation.

ICT will be used to assist in preparing students for the demands of the technological world of the future.   ICT will be used to create a flexible learning environment so that the resources can be accessed whenever and wherever they are needed.   ICT will be used in the support of all staff in becoming better professionals, which will assist in the development of good critical thinkers.  With the creation and implementation of an ICT policy, an infrastructural upgrade, the guidance of the leadership of the school, the commitment of the teachers and the students, a clear ICT vision can be realized.   

Planning is excellent - it is definitely key to understanding this activity. At my school I believe that we are in the Adaptation Stage which allows technology to becom thoroughly integrated into teaching patterns. This is when our teachers are most often excited about using technology to prepare and present information.  However, policies and leadership must set the stage so that adherence to what is being done is maintained.   Collaboration and mentoring are critical at this stage and is needed to guide the process along smoothly.  Individuals can become complacent at this stage and need little reminders of the big picture. Leadership is key to ensuring that we remain focus on our achievable goals while we work through the other elements that can bring the process to a crawl.  These elements include the lack of stakeholders buy-in, infrastructural issues, financial issues and demotivated teachers.   The process of implementation is slow so the vision needs to be

ICT integration on a whole school basis can be done by anyone and at anytime but to ensure it sustainability proper guidelines must be put in place. An audit of the present school’s operation should be done Have the members of staff participate in the planning and decision process, this will assist with a buy-in.  The project will NEED the majority to buy-in to the initiative. All stakeholders must be duly informed about the process as well as the expected outcomes. Policy outlining clearly the who’s, what’s, where’s and how’s and the rewards/penalties should be put in place prior to the implementation. Management should be knowledgeable about the process and will be willing to show support during the process of ICT integration. Support must be offered and given to the teachers in regards to pedagogy. Motivated leaders with a clear vision