Leading the learning of ICT

Progress over the past year in developing ICT in the school has been pleasing. Having time over the recent holiday to reflect on the changes has identified several key aspects to bringing about change. Below are some tips from my own experience.
1. Do your homework. Assess where the need is in your school.
2. Talk to your staff. Assess their readiness to embrace and learn new technologies.
3. Research the hardware available. Keep an open mind about the best solutions.
4. Visit schools that are further down the track. Ask to see their best users of ICT technology in action and then see their beginners too.
5. Write an action plan. Cost it.
6. Share the vision with as many people as possible - teachers, BOT, parents
7. Take teachers and BOT to see the technology in action.
8. Buy two pieces of the same kit. Have your teachers learn together.
9. Model some IT learning yourself, a G & T group for example. Present the learning to staff and other children.
10.Once embedded use the technology to present at Board meeting, staff meetings, parents meetings, assemblies etc. Make other people want to use it.

Sitech Champions School Conference 2010

This years Sitech Champions School Conference held in Wellington was excellent value for money and provided a huge variety of learning opportunities for teachers and leaders looking to develop and maximise their use of Interactive Whiteboard technology.
Breathe Technology (the educational training arm of Sitech Systems - follow the link) provided a range of workshops that catered for all levels of experience but it was the atmosphere of sharing and learning from each other that helped to underline the fact that we are all learners when it comes to ICT. The workshops were full of practical tips and not too large to enable questions, conversations and discussions. Hands on experiences were given to all delegates where possible.
Two teachers from school presented at the conference and the experience has certainly proved positive for them both. Being asked to present after only 6 months of IWB usage was a testament to their hard work and skills as teachers. However the gains in learning from the other delegates has also proved very worthwhile and has already impacted on their classroom practice.