Technology Leadership for Schools in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

A principal’s leadership is a key contributor to better school performance. In recent years, the introduction of ICT into schools has demanded the effective utilization of technology, leading to the emergence of technology leadership as an important component in schools. Principals are now expected to be technology leaders to meet the demands of the Digital Economy, and teachers, as facilitators of learning, are tasked with re-engineering the way students think in digital classrooms. In essence, it is the principal’s role to drive the effective implementation of technological transformation in their schools. Studies have shown that principals with the necessary skills of technology leadership are more likely to integrate educational technologies and manage technology usage in schools. This chapter begins with the conceptualization of technology leadership in the literature, followed by the characterization of a technology leader. Subsequently, we elaborate on several technology leadership practices and their challenges, and eventually present a conceptual model of technology leadership. Ultimately, this chapter provides insights into the impacts of principals’ technology leadership on their followers, schools, environments, and innovative advancements in the twenty-first century.