Here's how you can master the skills needed to effectively utilize new technology as an educational leader.

Leaders should champion innovation by encouraging experimentation and flexibility. It is important that employees are given the freedom to explore new technologies and apply them to tasks that can be automated. This in turn will give them time for more creative and strategic activities. Additionally, providing consistent support and training to employees, while tracking progress, ensures a smoother transition into new systems and tools.

As an educational leader, being open to change is crucial when adopting new technology. Embrace the idea that technology can enhance teaching and learning. Stay adaptable and be willing to experiment with different tools and approaches. By fostering a positive attitude toward change, you set a great example for your team and encourage others to follow suit.

Leadership in all levels of education should be open to new ideas and technology that helps make learning better for today's student. In Higher Ed we often see some reluctance to change and adapt. Part of that stems from typical doctoral programs. We expect doctoral degree holders to be able to teach, and the examples are those who taught us. Teach them to teach! Another important issue, all new technology fits every situation. They are tools appropriate for some things, and not others. In online learning, a new tool comes out, and some faculty member somewhere, uses it in every single course. Not needed. Embrace appropriate change after evaluation of its performance.

To master new technology as an educational leader, focus on continuous learning and practical application. Start by identifying tools that can enhance administration, teaching, or student engagement. For example, when I introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) at Gulzar Group, I first took online courses to understand the platform, then conducted small pilot runs with faculty before full-scale implementation. This hands-on approach, combined with ongoing professional development, helps in mastering technology efficiently and ensures its effective use in educational settings.

To master new technology as an educational leader, focus on continuous learning and hands-on experience. Start by attending relevant workshops, webinars, or certification courses, then actively apply what you've learned. For example, in 2020, a principal in Ohio introduced a new learning management system (LMS) but initially struggled with its full potential. By engaging in targeted training sessions and collaborating with tech-savvy staff, she quickly mastered the platform and was able to lead its successful implementation across the school, improving student engagement and operational efficiency. Consistent learning and practical application are key to effectively using technology in leadership.

Learning will never go out of fashion and we should never feel bad about learning new things from these GENZ Few areas that help me are - 1. Online Courses: Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning. 2. Conferences: ISTE, ASCD, EdTech. 3. Workshops: Local and national events. 4. Webinars: Industry experts and thought leaders. 5. Professional Networks: EdTech communities, social media. 6. Coaching/Mentoring: Peer-to-peer learning. 7. Self-Directed Learning: Blogs, podcasts, books. 8. Micro-Credentials: Specialized skill development. Benefits: - Staying current with ed-tech trends - Enhancing leadership skills - Networking opportunities - Improved student outcomes - Increased teacher engagement

An effective teacher, whether at the high school, or graduate level, must remain up-to-date in their primary field, but about what works in the workplace, and in education.

In my experience, new tools are good but not always necessary. In online learning in particular, we find constant new bells and whistles to add to LMS and changes requiring millions of dollars, and once implemented, outcomes don't match promises. Strategically plan for new technology and make that a part of the budget.

Culture is most important. My initial entry into Higher Education Administration was developing online programs for a university system. I saw great opportunity, but unfortunately many faculty members did not agree! "Will that stuff really work?" I had to go about my task at each institution and train faculty. I took them to conferences that featured others with new approaches. I showed them the way, and then let them share what they had learned with others. Soon the faculty could see the benefits. While the Pandemic was a concern, many of those intuitions were ahead of the game and able to adapt.

The key here is evaluating impact, and not just at the end of the term. I was active in faculty classrooms and built in a variety of methods to evaluate learning outcomes. Ongoing evaluation that allows adjustment.

Ertmer and Ottenbreit-Leftwich (2010) emphasize that teachers' confidence and proficiency with technology directly impact their willingness to incorporate it into their teaching practices. Providing professional development opportunities enables educators to become adept with new tools, while mentorship programs allow tech-savvy teachers to support their peers (Lawless & Pellegrino, 2007). Furthermore, reliable technical support is essential; Inan and Lowther (2010) found that prompt resolution of technical issues encourages sustained use of technology in the classroom. #EducationalLeadership #EdTechIntegration #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherSupport