Journal 10

Bloggers Café - An Absence of Leadership – by Scott McLeod (November 2007, Learning and Leading with Technology, p17).

What is the current state of technology in the classroom? Do students have enough knowledge to lead a successful live in a technology-driven world? How are administrators and teachers rising to the challenge? Who is stepping up and successfully leading “technology” infusion into the classroom? Who is insuring that staff and faculty members have better than adequate training opportunities to develop improved technology content?

These questions, and many more, were posed by Dr. Scott McLeod, Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education at Iowa State. And unfortunately, we do not have a good answer to any of these questions.

Dr. McLeod brings up several valid concerns. We all know that administrators are in charge of programs, budgets, etc. If we do not develop a voice, as faculty, in ALL aspects of teaching and learning, how do we expect administrators, most of whom are not formally trained nor are everyday practitioners in technology to adopt sound values and educational goals? We fight this battle in science on a daily basis at my school. We are the least funded school in our district, with little to no wiggle room in our operating budget to purchase new equipment, or replace outdated equipment. Technology, you ask? You can forget that! We are not a wireless campus, nor do I foresee implementation at our site, if it is adopted soon. Our district (the administrators and IT Head) is still trying to convince themselves that wireless networks can be safe! Why is it that just about every other campus has wireless networks and has found a way to secure the system? It sounds like a bunch of you know what from upper administrators not willing to pay for necessary upgrades. Even our newest building just finished this summer still has zero incorporation of wireless technology. What a missed opportunity for faculty to demand advances to catch up with our counterparts!

1. What about smart rooms and implementation into more classrooms at City College? We have a handful of smart rooms and they only exist in buildings newly constructed. When asked to convert a “auditory” style science lecture hall to a smart room with a ceiling mounted projector (the current set-up is a serious trip hazard and interferes with student line of sight!), we were told that the district would pay for $0 upgrades to old construction.

2. Why are administrators making poor decisions about curriculum, our area of expertise? Am I even asking this question? Of course, it is money, power and a different set of goals. I am naive in thinking that we are ALL here to offer the best learning environment for our students.

3. What have I learned from my limited experiences? Administration will use and abuse you as long as you let them. I have been successful in obtaining some mobile technology for our department and we are actually one of two programs that have limited wireless technology at City College. A department meeting rarely goes by without a discussion on technology in the department and how we, as a department (now with equal young faculty as old) feel it is our time to stand up and fight for the best learning environment for our students. If this means money and consistent professional development for faculty and staff, so be it!

I am glad that Dr. McLeod has written an article focused on LEADERSHIP; it needs to be discussed more often and in more publications.