Empowering Tomorrow’s Educational Leaders: The Role of Technology in Education
Future of technology in classroom: Best users
of technology will be the leaders
By: Deepa Singh
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“Innovation distinguishes between a
leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs
Technology has revolutionized education since the
ancient times. Throughout history, from ancient practices like inscribing on
tree leaves to the invention of paper the presence of technology is reflected.
Today, computers and AI are playing pivotal roles, enhancing learning
experiences globally. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) will
significantly impact the future of education. There are many other technologies
which are ready to revolutionize the world like Nanotechnology, Biotechnology,
Quantum Teleportation, and Computer Engineering. Those who will actively engage
with and adapt to these innovations will emerge as educational leaders.
The best use of technology in education was recognized in peri-pandemic time. People of all backgrounds whether employed or unemployed, young or old, rich or poor- have recognized its importance, accepted it and embraced learning to use it effectively. This is my personal observation, as a teacher, that technology has reconnected us, allowing deeper understanding of students, their backgrounds, and needs. Technology has not only fostered a deeper connection between teachers and students but also developed a sense of autonomy and responsibility in students. In online classes, students who were previously reticent in physical classrooms now actively participate-answering questions, saying ‘hi,’ and taking ownership of their learning journey. This newfound autonomy has made students more responsible, particularly in India, where parental familiarity with technology varies. The book ‘Emerging Realities and the Future of Technology in the Classroom’ (Link of the book given below) delves into these intricate dynamics of teacher-student relationships is a must read for educators.
Educational Technology: A necessity, not a
luxury
“We need technology in
every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen
and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of
our world.”
David Warlick
Smart board, projector, online learning platforms like google classroom, google meet and teams, learning game tech tools like Prodigy, assessment tech tools like Kahoot and Quizizz, Microsoft Power Point, lesson planning and Classroom Material Tech Tools like Edpuzzle, Padlet, and Symbaloo are some technology instruments commonly used in classrooms to enhance teaching and learning. Integrating the mentioned technology thoughtfully can transform the classroom experience. Educational technology is not a luxury-it is a necessity that empowers learners and shapes the future of education.
The need of hour is to be a leader to use it in
classroom and to teach students with advanced technology to make them able to
be a leader in technologically advanced world tomorrow. For this all the
education stakeholder administrators, management, principals, teachers need to
update themselves for changed requirements of education. They need to
self-evaluate if they are technically sound. If any of the stakeholder is not
as sound as expected, the school system will suffer the ignorance, ultimately
affecting the students and the whole community. This is their responsibility to
take initiation in using and introducing technology to the students. This is
big question how are they going to do it?
Educational Leader: Principle and Guideline
The international society for Technology in
Education has developed principles for school leaders called the National Educational Technology Standards for
Administrators (NETS-A). These standards outline several key areas entitled
Visionary Leadership, Digital Age Leadership, Excellence in Professional
Practice, Systemic Improvement and Digital Citizenship (Mcrel, 2016).
There is again, The CBSC Handbook for teachers
ch-6, to guide educators about curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and classroom
teaching. Another good book, which I recently read online is ‘Future of
Technology Education’ (Link of the book given below) imparting knowledge about
use of technology in classroom teaching.
An educational leader must follow the above-mentioned
principles of National Educational Technology Standards. For a teacher
understanding students, curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment is the guideline
for best classroom teaching. Then
understanding nature of technology and applying it in teaching and learning
process and driving expected outcome is the key to success.
Educational Leader: Qualities
An educational leader involves enlisting and
guiding teachers, students, and parents toward common educational goals. An
educational leader must have the following qualities:
· A positive vision and a set of
transformative goals
· Collaboration of diverse communities
and build partnership
· Effective communication
· Critical thinking and problem
solving
· Promote inclusive education
Education Stakeholders:
Roles
· Management: Allocating Budget and investing and
purchasing good educational technology.
· School Principals: Leading schools and creating guidelines
for responsible tech use.
· University Presidents: Guiding higher education
institutions and creating guidelines for ethical use.
· Directors of Educational Departments: Overseeing educational programs and to
ensure technology benefit all students.
· Classroom Teachers: Understanding students,
curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and technology.
· Student: Inspires and motivates peers and constantly
ask educators.
· Politics: Making technology friendly policies.
Another aspect of use of technology
Technology indeed holds immense potential for
positive impact. My point of view is, in human history we have never witnessed
the open use of technology for human life, technology was often accessible only
to a privileged few. However, as time progresses, we witness a gradual shift
toward democratization. For example, in the past, technologies like
electricity, telephones, and automobiles were initially limited to the wealthy
or influential. Access to common people was restricted due to
cost, infrastructure, and knowledge barriers.
The writer of the book ‘The Future of Technology’ said that “all successful technologies eventually fade into the background of everyday life, as electricity and railways have, becoming both more important and less visible.” It happens because technology becomes ubiquitous and commonplace, and it loses its novelty. For example, Nowadays, with so many people creating content online, it can feel less innovative. When consumption outpaces invention, it might indeed seem like a “post-technology” era, which was once stated by Irving Wladawsky Berger, a technology guru at IBM in context to business, industry has its “post- technology” period.
An educational leader will be the one who will address these issues and navigates the responsible use of technology while preserving its novelty in educational use.
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