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When it comes to technology, it's more about what flows through the boxes and gadgets that matters. It's the quality of the information and how well people process it, build upon it, and share knowledge that really matters.
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What comes to your mind when you first think about the impact of technology upon your life as a school administrator? Countless e-mails, phone calls, pager requests, dreaded "down time," searching the Department of Education web site, importing/exporting data from one database to another, preparing a PowerPoint presentation, viewing a "power pointless" presentation, listening to an conference speaker on audio-tape, dealing with a broken copier, sorting through faxes, or watching media bytes about your school while on your treadmill walk or run. Oh, yes, let's don't forget all the "techie talk" and terms tossed around as well (i.e. instant messaging, video streaming, groupware, GPS, near time vs. real time, web native or web-based, SIF, ASP, etc.) There is no question that technology is dramatically transforming the way we learn, the way we work, the way we live, and even the way we think.
Yet for administrators in this age of accountability the real technological revolution is not about computers, networks, and the latest gadgets. Our work is clearly not focused upon technology per se. Our role is to build more vibrant and effective learning environments for students and staff. This is what is most important to us. Yet we need to pause and ask ourselves: "How can we use technology to better support improved student learning and teaching?"
First and foremost, this site does not focus upon how to construct a technology plan nor is it a review of the latest hardware or software products. This type of guidance can be retrieved quickly from a web search or a call to a vendor. This site centers upon the use of technology as an information/communication tool. It is built upon the premise that the role of school administration is to constantly seek ways to build Best Practice Learning Communities. It is a site that emphasizes the idea that technology must serve school improvement, student learning, improved teaching and leadership practices. It views school web sites not as "Christmas trees" or public relations tools. It advocates that administrators intentionally use the web to integrate all of their school business functions into useful school improvement tools. It challenges administrators to think about how to transfer knowledge faster and more efficiently between faculty and throughout all school stakeholder groups. It is based upon the premise that educational leaders need to be able to lead information-based knowledge management efforts. |
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