You're navigating the world of digital learning leadership. How can you drive team success and career growth?

Don’t just embrace change—engineer it within your team. Create a “Future Lab” where everyone has dedicated time to explore new technologies, brainstorm creative ideas, and run small pilot projects without worrying about immediate results. Celebrate what you learn from both wins and missteps. This way, your team becomes more agile and confident, positioning themselves as true innovators, not just followers.

One thing I have found helpful in fostering collaboration is to initially set really clear communication channels and examples of what is expected for yourself and your team members. Then… follow through. Leading by example with your communication will allow members to feel open in joining in during discussions so they feel safe sharing their ideas. Are there established norms? If not, set them.

Educators need to see what digital learning can do for their teaching and learning. The greatest leverage to support change is to emphasise that they will save a lot of time. Workload reduction is the message to get across by making it clear that the positives will outway the negatives and that doing nothing is not the best option. Educators spend much of their time chasing students for their tasks and homework. Educators spend a lot of time photocopying worksheets that are easily lost and have to be handed out again. Far better to make the move to digital formats where resources will be available for students on a 365/24/7 basis.

I agree! Investing in professional development is not just about skill enhancement—it's about fostering a culture of growth and motivation. When team members prioritize continuous learning, it empowers the team and shows that their development is a priority. This approach not only boosts individual performance but also drives the overall success of the organization in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Yes, regular time set apart for the Team to learn and experiment with AI and new technology is so important. These sessions not only need to show and explain the technology but they need to show the advantages to the Team of using it. CPD sessions should be relevant and enjoyable on order to have maximum impact.

Delivering professional development for digital learning in schools and colleges can be approached through workshops, online courses, and peer-led training sessions. Champion users, who are tech-savvy staff members, can lead by example and provide support, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Digital training is crucial for onboarding new staff, as it ensures they are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to integrate technology into their teaching, ultimately enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.

To ensure growth and success in a school or college, establish clear goals and metrics for both staff and student performance. Think about what the goals are and write a strategic plan that fits the needs of the institution. Encourage a culture of continuous feedback, professional development, and collaboration among educators. Implement regular assessment points to identify areas for improvement and celebrate achievements. Engaging students and the community in the learning process also enhances commitment and support for the institution's mission.