The constant changes in digital learning and the use of technology for education have changed what being a leader involves and how they integrate technology into their team or organization. Being a teacher in the K-12 system, I chose to focus my external scan within my context and how leaders have decided to encourage the integration of more technology or digital learning, focusing on these five elements: planning, adaptability, collaboration, communication, and professional development.

Planning: There is a need to plan and trial different technology or digital learning tools to ensure that those in leadership positions are able to support others in using them; this also can help to structure how new tools or ideas are implemented in schools or classrooms. (Interview with Sandra Norum: Transcript Introductions, Role and Leadership Focus, n.d.) When conducting my interviews, it was clear that the planning process can take a great deal of time, especially when it is a new digital tool, app or site, as in British Columbia, we must ensure any information is stored within Canada. (L.Chum personal communication, February 10th, 2025)

Adaptability: The need to change and adapt is not surprising in the K-12 system; this is a constant skill that all educators need. As a leader, you must be open to altering or changing how things are done to suit those you work with or teach best.

Collaboration: Collaboration not only helps to unite teams to work towards a common goal, but it also helps to foster positive connections, allowing for more opportunities for communication and professional development. The opportunity for teachers to work with mentors to help build lessons or units together or figure out how to best support a student with exceptionalities allows for a positive relationship between the educators and those students to feel successful. (Interview with Sandra Norum: Transcript Introductions, Role and Leadership Focus, n.d.)

Communication: To be an effective leader, it is crucial to encourage and foster clear and direct two-way conversations, as this will allow many voices to be heard. (Sheninger, 2022) Leaders must find a way to share the key information they need while leaving it open for their team members to share and ask questions. Predictable communication, such as a weekly or monthly newsletter or open office hours to encourage less formal dialogue, can help foster a more inclusive community. (L.Chum personal communication, February 7th, 2025) Using a weekly or bi-weekly newsletter format allows a leader to develop a routine or structure to use, making it easy to find any new or important information. Consistent communication can limit confusion or misinformation, and leaders can clarify and restate things as often as necessary.

Professional Development: Leaders can form their own or join other Professional Learning Networks to connect with others, allowing them to access resources, build their knowledge and skills, and connect with experts. (Sheninger, 2022) This enables leaders and others interested in professional development to find ideas and concepts that they are interested in and learn in a way that supports current needs. In my interviews, we discussed the importance of dedicated professional development days for administrators, teachers, and educational assistants during the school year, as these help us connect with experts and gain important new information and resources. (L.Chum personal communication, February 7th, 2025)

Each of these five elements is necessary to consider as a leader in K-12 education, as they can support you and encourage the team of educators you support. These elements aim to help others around you further their skills and understanding while knowing that their leader will help them in whatever way possible.

References

Al-Haddad, S., & Kotnour, T. (2015). Integrating the organizational change literature: A model for successful change. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 28(2), 234–262. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-11-2013-0215
Brown, M. (2023). Leading in Changing Times. Handbook of Open, Distance and Digital Education, 509–525. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2080-6_28
Sheninger, E. (2022, August 31). 7 Pillars of Digital Leadership. Www.hmhco.com. https://www.hmhco.com/blog/pillars-of-digital-leadership-in-education
Interview with Sandra Norum: Transcript Introductions, Role and Leadership Focus. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://malat-coursesite.royalroads.ca/lrnt525/files/2022/01/Sandra-Transcript.pdf