Ho's literature review on technology leadership refers to leadership that is needed to effectively integrate IT in the academe. In this context, technology leadership is influencing teachers to use ICT in their instructional practices.
She cited the five common themes in effective IT integration based from the "Technology Leadership for the 21st Century Principal" by Flanagan and Jocobson (2003) and Riedl's five elements that are key to the meaningful integration of technology in both teaching and learning. Based from the two literature, she was able to identify some alignments on the elements and where the role of technology leadership can be manifested through 1) Developing a shared vision which focuses on pupil engagement and 2) Providing support for professional development and exploration of ICT.
She also mentioned two models which may facilitate school leaders in providing and evaluating technology leadership. Model A, based from a qualitative study of experiences of principals in ten ICT-enriched schools in Canada, New Zealand and United States derived eight categories of ICT leadership. Model B, a technology framework proposed by Flanagan and Jacobson, identifies the new leadership responsibilities of school principals that must be undertaken in this technology era.
While the focus on the models are on school principals, it was highlighted in the study that the concept of shared technology leadership is needed as it is too demanding for one person to single handedly perform technology leadership.
Ho's paper was prepared in 2006 and in her concluding statement, she acknowledges the need for more strategic studies on technology leadership. Her home country, Singapore, is a shining example in the East Asian region that has fully embraced ICT in all aspects of governance. ICT has greatly enhanced
Singapore's competitiveness by raising productivity and transforming
business processes in the education, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism
and hospitality and finance sectors.
In the Philippines, it is noteworthy to share that since 2003, over 20,000 Filipino teachers have been trained under the DepEd's existing partnership with Microsoft Philippines, though their Partners-in-Learning (PIL) Program. The PIL is a global initiative of Microsoft designed for educational institutions.The Philippines is one of the first participants in the PIL, training teachers on the latest trends in education using technology and
the Internet as among the first projects. (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/opinion/view/20090303-192132/Microsoft-DepEd-renew-school-program).
What do you think about this government initiative? What can the government, private sector and the academe do more to advocate technology leadership in the academe?
As an academician, I see the framework presented in the paper written by Jeanne Ho (2006) very useful especially in academic institutions vying for technology leadership.
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, every academic unit must understand and adapt the innermost core measures before venturing of becoming leaders of technology. The article reviews equity of access, student engagement, shared vision, ubiquitous networks, and effective professional development as essential components for an institution to become technologically equipped. Once these have been satisfactorily accomplished they are ready to become leaders for other academic institutions to emulate.
I feel that there is indeed a need for the Philippines and other developing countries to be engaged and be part of the ICT in education culture. But the first thought that came into my mind was to ask where these trained participants of Partners-In-Learning (PIL) are at and how they have been able to give back what they have learned. I have seen how DepEd trains the teachers but what the teachers have practiced in the learning venue cannot be applied, basically due to the different environment they are faced with such as availability of technology and the support of the LGU. I believe that these training should first focus in the more urban area then spread to the less urban areas. I have seen a group of people all gathered in Manila coming from various provinces and because they come from many different conditions, the whole workshop cannot fit everyone's reality. After all development cannot be meaningful unless they are well maintained are managed for a long term after implementation. It is just too difficult to motivate humans to veer away from the old practices. A change of mental model is quite a challenge for technology to have a robust effect in education.
ReplyDeleteHo's article started with an introduction on what leadership is in general but I kinda disagree that there's no common or agreed upon definition on what leadership is even if it would be taken in various context. She then focused on technology leadership in order to influence teachers in utilizing ICT in their practices. The role of I.T. as it is being integrated into the educational system is indeed very crucial especially in developing that shared vision which is centered on student engagement. Moreover, I also agree that providing support for professional development is necessary especially for teachers who should be updated with the latest trends in technology.
ReplyDeleteI have always believed that strong industry-academe-industry linkage is the key. It is also high time to tear down barriers between private and public schools, with the stereotype that the former are more blessed and have more access to industry linkage. The DepEd must make use of the apparent K-to-12 initiative by involving the industry in developing new curriculums. Like Singapore, I think it is an opportune time to check how we can prepare curricula allowing pupils and students to choose as early as middle school whether or not to pursue business, science, or sports. This can be a prelude to strategically making use of technology to build capacity that will have surer access to employability and utility. More government initiatives must be geared toward providing learning resources to key cities and far flung rural schools.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, I would want also to expect that come July, in the President's SONA, he would share to us his plan on how to integrate technology leadership in basic and secondary education.
ReplyDelete