NEIT+2013+OpenSpace+2J

To move forward into leadership it is important that the Technology Director/Coordinator works to redefine a role away from being perceived as just a service provider.It is important to be able to look beyond being a pipe provider to an intricate part of fulfilling the schools mission. Many administrators feel that technology is just the nuts and bolts and like facilities will not have a seat at the table. What leadership or insight does technology chair provide that other chairs do not offer?

The key is to have the the school define were technology fits in the community. Technology directors have to be on the planning period rather than becoming a "fulfiller", the person who magically gets things done. If there during the dreaming stage all the administrators can discuss the problem and the tech dir can provide possible the solutions or options based on their expertise.

Why are we in the fulfiller role? Because we find solutions to many problems and we become a victim of our own success. We are put in a situation where it __has__ to work. We can’t fall on the sword for fear of loosing credibility. If in the initial planning tech dir will become invested in the decision. However you need the support of the administrators or it will fail.

Change does not happen organically it appears when there is some pain or blood in the water. People do not change because they want to but because they have to.

Are technology directors good at playing politics? If not then they are not engaged in the discussions. The directors then become isolated in this political landscape. The philosophical point of view gets bogged down by the actual implementation. There has to be an agreement for the overall philosophy before it can be implemented. The directors have a different perspective on how things can be done. If the head does not look to you when they make a decision then you should make your opinion know in another venue. The technology should have either some academic experience or be surrounded by others who supplement what you are you need help.I