Journal # 9

An Absence of Leadership. By Scott McLeod
ISTE Learning and Leading; October, 2007

Dr. Scott McLeod is the director of the UCEA Center for Advanced Study of Technology in Education at Iowa State. McLeod is concerned about leadership in schools as it pertains to preparing students for the technology driven; globally interconnected world. Dr. McLeod has two blogs that he uses to express his views and welcome colleagues into the discussion. Dr. McLeod blogs to point out that without proper leadership in schools student’s potential and future will be diminished. Administrators are the ones who can make positive change in schools as it relates to better and more involved use of technology. Most of the technology savvy employees in school districts are tech coordinators; media specialists; teachers or tech integrationists. The problem is that these individuals are not in a position of administration and/or don’t have leadership training. Dr. McLeod feels that schools and students will not see improvement until administrators know how to implement and build on technology related initiatives. The core problem is that administrators need more technology training and technology staff needs more administrative skills.

Questions
1. As a teacher how would I deal with administration that was not interested in technology in education? If I was in a position like this I would try and educate the people making decisions about the need for technology in classrooms. I would do this by giving solid examples and undeniable facts regarding the value of technology in schools.
2. What other ways can schools get administrators who can incorporate technology in schools and programs. Schools districts will change when people with training and a vision for the future are in positions of leadership. The most effective way for this to happen is to have staff with technology backgrounds get the training and become decision makers for schools and school districts.