TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOL LEADERS AND FACULTY MEMBERS

Our world today is technologically driven. In the field of educational leadership there is a need to use technology to further the skill development of leaders in education. Technology can be used as a tool in the planning, organizing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating of all aspects of professional development for educational leaders and faculty members. The major focus of this research will discuss the importance of a vision, mission, collaboration with a shared vision, issues and planning, models that support professional development, research and practice, infusing of technology, pros and cons about technology, standards and accountability, curriculum and technology, measurable performance, evaluation, and the current need for technology support for professional development for school leaders and faculty leaders to improve their own leading, teaching and learning skills in a collaborative manner.

Using technology today is a way of life for leaders and others in school organizations. Some school leaders along with faculty members may not feel always comfortable about using technology in their line of work and these same leaders may not be sure that technology may yield significant improvement in learning for all students. Because of feeling inadequate, some school leaders may feel that their own knowledge may not make meaningful recommendations in effective technology use as a support tool in the instructional and managerial aspect of their schools. Therefore, more school leaders and faculty today are participating in professional development workshops and seminars to sharpen their own skills jointly in the use and application of technology. More school leaders and faculty members today are accepting the reality that technology is a part of the school/world’s culture and it is here to stay; therefore, as leaders and faculty members they must come on board and accept the positive use of technology in their schools. In order to boost their skills and knowledge, many faculty and staff members are creating their own in-building technology supported professional development activities through a collaborative practice approach (Smith & Andrews, 1990).