An Overview of
Educational Technology: Effective Leadership and Current Initiatives

By Keith Courville
(2011)

Courville examine the foundation for effective educational technology leadership through the lens of an ed tech leader within a school.  He noted that tech leaders help modernize not only the physical technology found within the building but they model the progressive use of technology. Courville explained that effective leaders need technical, human and conceptual skills to support change within a building.  Technology leadership is filled with continual change and as a tech leader you must understand the change process.  Courville highlighted Fullan’s work on change leadership as a import piece of supporting organizational goals and pacing yourself in a continually evolving environment. Courville goes on to explain the importance of considering the key components of emotional leadership.

Although not directly mentioned, Courville alluded to social and intellectual capital.  He mentioned the value of  building relationships within the school as an integral part of sustaining school’s goals and using interactive tools to support teachers as they learn about technology. Because technology often paves the way for discussions of why we teach the way that we do, Courville explained the significance of investing in ways to support teachers as they reflect on their methodologies. He concluded:

Only by developing educational technology leaders who are well versed in leadership practice as well as strong advocates for technology integration, can our educational field hope to keep pace with the development of new technology, and use technology in an effective manner within our schools.
(p. 16)

Leadership in the context of change is a challenge and only when you acknowledge the obstacles and importance of shaping the path will you sustain effective change.

Not only does he highlight the importance of tech leaders in education he raises an important point.  Technology permeates almost every aspect of our daily lives and the majority of businesses also have a go to Tech Maven. Tech change isn’t specific to education it’s an integral part of business.  Courville’s point is important for all of us.  Not only do we need strong leaders,  we need leaders that are able to help us clarify our goals and formulate a path that will navigate the ongoing technological changes in a healthy way that enhances our exchange of social and intellectual capital.  It’s something that we need to plan for.

Conference Proceedings
Courville, Keith
Educational Technology: Effective Leadership and Current Initiatives
Louisiana Computer Using Educator’s Conference 2011