Reading+Reflections,+Technology+Facilitator+Standard+VIII,+Leadership+and+Vision

While Standard VII had a more managerial focus, Standard VIII describes how technologists lead others in creating a research-based vision and developing a long-range strategic plan moving the vision into reality. (ISTE) This chapter underscores the importance of leadership and vision in order to inspire a group of people to set and meet common goals. Without such leadership and vision, technology could be under-utilized. One challenge of leadership may be a sense of apathy because educators and parents today lack experience with and understanding of current technologies. It is important to offer ongoing professional development for all stakeholders.

This chapter also includes a list of Qualities of Exemplary Technology Plans. (ISTE) These include:
 * Focused on student learning
 * Grounded in research and best practices
 * Aligned to other strategic initiatives
 * Comprehensive
 * Simple and clear
 * Useful and achievable
 * Measurable
 * Logical

There is a helpful graphic that I may print and keep handy. The graphic shows the planning process for technology and includes these steps: 1) Preplanning 2) Community Visioning 3) Assessing Current Needs 4) Constructing Goals and Evaluation Plan 5) Action Planning 6) Marketing and Communicating the Plan

One statement really communicates the gist of this standard-- "Creating a strategic direction requires a unique skill set, including managing groups of people with divergent viewpoints and achieving consensus." (ISTE)

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). // Iste\'s technology facilitation and leadership standards, what every k-12 leader should know and be able to do //. Intl Society for Technology in educ.