Technology Leadership and Vision

     My site has been through two changes of administration in two years.  The most recent change is happening currently.  So, setting a vision for using technology for learning has not been a topic of discussion as of yet.  When technology is a subject of discussion at a staff meeting, we mostly discuss devices and the number that we have or would like to have.  Our site has a plan for technology purchasing which is a start.  Without the devices, we can't launch the learning.  Scott McLeod said in his article, The Challenges of Digital Leadership, "Whether formal or informal, the focus of technology-related professional learning should be on student learning, not on the tools or devices."  I believe we will get to that point soon.
     When thinking about the "technology leaders" at my school, I could say I am the technology leader.  Then, I thought about when I see technology being used at my site.  I see our principal use Google Slides at every staff meeting.  During PLCs, teachers access shared documents to complete on Google Drive which means they are using Google Docs.  Daily, students access various websites and G Suite apps throughout some classrooms.  On Friday, videos are played in the cafeteria during lunches.  Also, every teacher uses a document camera all day long.  In my classroom, I am able to use computers two days a week as that is when I have access to 35 Chromebooks.  Some teachers have a cart all to themselves because we have three teachers and two carts per grade level (third - sixth).  Kindergarten through second grades access Chrome Boxes in the computer lab.
    Teachers are encouraged to seek out professional development in technology.  However, those are often on their own time.  When I attend one of those, I usually can't wait to implement it in my classroom right away.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the same mindset.  I have attended training with others, and the response is often, "I don't know when I'll ever have time for that."  Eric Sheninger states on pg. 45 of his book Digital Leadership, "Technology is here to stay, although there is never a shortage of naysayers who question its value.  Its value rests in whether leaders decide to use it effectively to positively impact the lives of our students, achieve learning goals, communicate with stakeholders, share best practices, and connect like never before".
       I try to spread my excitement about what I am having my students learn and do with tech and have come to the realization that I need to be the spark to ignite the fire of using technology for student learning at our school site.  Everyone needs to get on board of the need for students to use technology for their learning not just to play a game or take an Accelerated Reader quiz.  "Schools need to change in the face of this challenge if they are to create the next generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, and engineers who work in a technology-rich and technology-driven world" (Sheninger, pg. 32).