Ask the Connected Learning Advisory

Leading change in the digital era

“The pace of technological development is exponential and its impact often unpredictable.” p.12 Trends Shaping Education(external link)

This rapid pace of change creates challenges for leaders in schools, kura and Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako as they support teachers to develop their use of digital technologies to meet the needs of all their learners.

Regardless of the context for change, leaders have always been required to push people’s thinking and abilities by asking searching questions, challenging perceptions, and engaging their professionalism. At the same time, they are required to maintain an emotionally safe environment based on respectful relationships and mutual trust, where everyone feels valued and has an equal opportunity to voice their opinions. All of this applies when technological change is the driver, but interestingly, leaders are also discovering ways in which technology can help smooth the journey.

For example, leaders are using digital technologies to:

• allow teams to collaborate, both within and between schools, kura, and Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako as they work towards common achievement challenges
• provide professional learning that is accessible, engaging and self-directed
• encourage educators to be connected through online and offline networks
• increase access to research, resources, and experts from across the sector and beyond.

The Connected Learning Advisory is well placed to support you as you develop ideas such as these. A good place to start is by meeting one of your local advisors at our upcoming workshops focused on leading change with the help of digital technologies.

Free professional learning with the Connected Learning Advisory

Many teachers are taking their first steps into leadership roles by being appointed as e-leaders in their schools or across-community/within-school teachers in Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako. The Connected Learning Advisory is offering half-day or optional full-day workshops aimed at supporting people in these roles as they lead change with the help of digital technologies.

The workshops are free of charge and are being held in locations across the country, from
14 August to 8 September.

Who should attend these workshops?

The workshops are aimed at across-community and within-school teachers from Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako and other teachers from schools and kura who have responsibilities for leading change. Up to three people from a school or kura can attend each event.

Workshop content:

• You will learn about effective change leadership strategies to support you as you lead change in your role and explore how digital technology can support communication and collaboration.
• Practical, tested strategies and plenty of opportunity for collaborative discussion.

Workshop model:

• The morning session is an introduction to theories of change leadership with practical activities to prompt thinking and share experiences.
• The afternoon session is for participants to apply what they have learned to their own school planning for change, facilitated by CLA advisors.

Participants will come away with:

• links to research, planning templates, and stories of change from other schools for you to access at your leisure
• connections to other local schools that are also developing their approaches to change
• next steps and an understanding of how the CLA can act as a critical friend via online community spaces (VLN/Pond) and regional advisor support.

Registering for this event:

When open, registration will be via our new-look page on Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI)(external link) so keep an eye out – more details coming soon.

Contact the Connected Learning Advisory

The Connected Learning Advisory is supporting hundreds of schools, kura, and now also Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako, as they make strategic decisions relating to learning with digital technologies.

If you have a query about integrating technology with teaching and learning, or you want to suggest a topic for this column, contact the Connected Learning Advisory:

• Phone: 0800 700 400
• Online form: www.tearawhitiki.org.nz(external link) or www.connectedlearning.org.nz(external link)

The Ministry of Education’s Connected Learning Advisory is managed by CORE Education.