Digital Leadership
My current learning spaces and environments are positive or in other words, we have different learning modes. The school provides real-world tools and as a result, students gain essential skills, global connectedness, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Our learning is not teacher-centered but they are student-centered (Delzer, 2015). This means that we are allowed to use technology in the classroom. Students and teachers are benefiting from educational technologies since students are increasing interest in learning and teachers are enjoying the collaboration. Our institution is preparing students to become successful in today's world by establishing a learning space where students can use mobile technology (Delzer, 2015). On the same note, our institution is aware that technology is affecting every aspect of life including work and for this reason, it has embraced the technology to engage students and prepare them for future careers. It is worth saying that our current learning space is positive since it is connecting students, it is increasing collaboration between students and instructors, it is engaging students, students are developing positive learning experience, students are becoming more responsible, and they are improving the decisions making (Pemberton, Borrego & Cohen, 2006). Technology-assisted instruction has increased students' motivation, learning, and development. For example, we use technologies such as LearnStar where students participate in reviews and as a result, they increase performance and satisfaction.
To improve the learning spaces, the U.S. Department of Education asserts that technology supports teaching and learning and as a result, students' increases engagement and instructors gains new knowledge on how to improve learning. To improve the learning spaces, there should be open educational resources such as digital libraries and podcast to reduce the cost that would be spent on instructional materials (U.S. Department of Education, n.d). There should be more online opportunities such as dual enrollment and summer school programs to engage students in online learning. Another way to improve the learning space is through blended learning. This means that educators should engage students in learning outside the classroom with an aim of reducing the cost that would be used in instructional materials and provide students with diverse learning styles (U.S. Department of Education, n.d). Other digital resources for education such as digital portfolios and real-time feedback should be used to connect students with real world, help them improve academic performance, and increase the collaboration with instructors.
Social media is an effective tool that connects the institution and the students. However, managing social media is a critical element that should be put into concern. Sheninger (2014) adds that social media is a digital tool that if used appropriately, it can increase communication, improve public relations, increase students' engagement, and more importantly, build a positive learning space and environment. For the students and the school to use social media in an effective way and achieve the intended goals, the educators should focus on the content. Educators must be responsible for what is being posted. They should be in charge of the photos and videos to make sure that the posted information is for education purpose. Another thing is that for social media to benefit the students and the school, educators should protect privacy. They should limit the audience who views the posts (U.S Department of Education, n.d). Third, educators should build a school culture where all participants listen, respond and react. In other words, there should be a culture of collaboration to engage students. Finally, educators should establish rules and policies that students and instructors should comply with in order to maximize safety and privacy.
Digital technologies are doing a significant role in the education institution. They are transforming the school cultures from traditional cultures to a modern culture characterized by transparency, engagement, and inspiration. In addition, digital technologies are providing students with a world-class education where students are connected to the real world (Sheninger, 2014). Communication; the pillar of digital leadership is an important element that can be used to transform the school culture. First, communication in school is important as it enhances confidence between teachers and students and as a result, students perform better academically, and teachers promote teamwork. I would transform the school using communication by connecting the students and teachers with social media tools such as TedEd, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, TeacherTube, WordPress, among other tools (Sheninger, 2014). These tools would connect the instructors and students and allow them to share information related to learning. Public relations is also a pillar of digital leadership and this pillar can transform the school culture by allowing and staffs to interact with community members, teachers, principle, and other members to share information regarding crises and solution, share information concerning administrative changes and build educational experience (Sheninger, 2014). Another way that the pillar of digital leadership can transform the school culture is through branding. I can market the school in social media through creating a school logo and motto, creating a school website, present school prospectus, among other branding strategies. Students need to be engaged so that they can improve performance. (Sheninger, 2014). Thus, I may provide students with digital tools to engage them and help them increase collaboration, and gain skills such as probe solving skills and creativity. I can also transform the school culture by establishing a Persona Learning Network where interact and derive knowledge concerning the field of education through sharing ideas, and asking questions. This strategy would help staffs grow professionals to meet the students' needs.
References
Sheninger, E. C. (2014). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. Corwin
Publishers.
Sheninger, E. (2014). Pillars of digital leadership. International Center for Leadership in
Education.
Delzer, K. (2015). Reimagining classrooms: Teachers as learners and students as leaders| Kayla Delzer|
TEDxFargo; 2015. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs
Pemberton, J. R., Borrego Jr, J., & Cohen, L. M. (2006). Using interactive computer technology
to enhance learning. Teaching of Psychology, 33(2), 145-147.
U.S Department of Education. (n.d). Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning. Retrieved
from: https://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning
