Module 14 Reflection: Final Post

Over the course of this semester, I have learned a great deal about how to be an educational technology leader. The biggest takeaway I gained from the course is the importance of creating a strategic plan, while having a missional mindset guide the planning process. In order for strategic plans t be successful, leaders have to be willing to take the time to know their colleagues and team members and work to gain their buy-in. It is necessary to establish a common mission to ground teachers and students in the school to work towards a common overarching goal. Teachers will more likely see the relevance and importance of technology when learning and facilitation are demonstrated in a way that visibly helps the team reach the objectives and goals outlined in their mission. Before all this though,, it necessary for the leader to take the time to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of all team members to be sure the necessary supports are put in place to aid their educational technology professional development. Other key highlights from the course include being able to figure out where the money comes from. In other words, grasping a better understanding of the various sources of funding for educational technology. Once funding is identified, the leaders should then begin thinking about pragmatic and economical ways to spend funding so that it aligns with overall mission outlined in the strategic plan. Lastly, I have learned that changes and ideas outlined in a strategic plan will take time to be fully implemented. It takes time to learn and acquire the necessary information when drafting a strategic plan. Therefore, the plan should be broken into phases that can be gradually released. Being a educational technology leader is similar to other leadership roles, it requires careful thought, planning, knowledge, and buy in from all team members.