In this week’s post I will be focusing on the six elements of change as outlined by Sheninger. The first element of change is connectedness. Being connected to other educators through professional learning networks on social media is imperative to professional and personal success. The next element of success is having a solid vision for what you want the change to look like in your school or classroom. Sheninger (2014) mentions that “it is important that all stakeholder groups contribute to a concrete, collective vision and work to create a plan for integration that clearly articulates why and how technology will be used to support education” (p.65). The third element of change is value. “One of the drawbacks to educational technology is the perceived lack of value it has in terms of student learning and achievement” (Sheninger, 2014, p.65). The value of technology must be made clear if change is to occur. The next element is support. Sheninger explains that teachers must feel that their efforts are supported and that they have the necessary backing to try new things even if it means failing initially but succeeding in the long run. Teachers must also have access to new educational technologies. The fifth element of change is professional development. Building off of support, “transforming a school culture based on significant shifts in pedagogy requires opportunities to learn how to effectively integrate technology” (Sheninger, 204, p.66). Teachers need to learn how to use new technologies too. The last element of change is embracement. Teachers should be encouraged to embrace new technologies in their classrooms. Both students and teachers should practice using new technologies because as Bastedo et al. (2016) points out, “the more students study or practice a subject, the more they tend to learn about it” (p.408).
If it were up to me, I would strongly encourage my staff to participate in professional learning networks and encourage them to try new things as often as they feel comfortable. I would make sure that every teacher has the resources and support they need to be successful and make sure they also feel valued and comfortable when using new technologies in their classrooms. Data can also drive change in that it can be a useful tool when keeping tabs on student/staff success and achievement, making sure that things are always moving forward instead of becoming stagnant. It is also important that districts follow through with promises of improving technology, after all the Bible says, “it is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it” (Ecclesiastes 5:5 NIV).
Sheninger, E. Digital leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times (2014).
Bastedo, M.N., Altbach, P.G., Gumport, P.J. (Eds.). (2016). American Higher Education in the 21st Century, 4th ed. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University
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