Research consistently finds that leadership is a key to the successful implementation of technology in schools. District-level involvement and leadership at the building level are key factors in developing a school environment conducive to the effective use of technology to improve student learning. 

To assist administrators in using technology to increase their own productivity and in providing leadership for the instructional uses of technology, the Indiana Technology Leadership Training program was created in 1990 by the Indiana DOE's Office of Learning Resources. As of 2000, over 1650 administrators have participated in this five-day program including principals, assistant principals, directors of curriculum, library media specialists, and in 1998-99 math and science coordinators. 

In addition, special adaptations of this program have been created for superintendents and district-level technology coordinators. Superintendents in the districts that are creating technology plans in order to receive funds from the Technology Plan Grant Program are invited to participate in a two-day workshop to assist them in providing leadership for the effective use of technology. In their increasingly demanding roles, technology coordinators must continually upgrade their skills while remaining focused on the vision and purpose for technology in schools.  

In May, 2000, the state received $1.8 million in funding from the Gates Foundation to create a new technology leadership program. IndianaNEXT replaced TLT in 2001 and continues to be available to superintendents and principals in public and nonpublic schools.

Classroom teachers must also see themselves as leaders who make important decisions which guide each student towards becoming a "knowledge worker" developing skills for critical thinking and life-long learning including the use of technology. Teachers must also be life-long learners as well as researchers and reflective practitioners who continually assess the effectiveness of new tools and strategies for use in the classroom. Teacher leadership programs are offered through a number of organizations including Education Service Centers and the Department of Education and through collaboration with university facilities including the Indiana Technology Learning Center and the Center for Excellence in Education.

For further information contact Carolyn White.