According to Yusof, Yaakob and Ibrahim (2019) digital leadership can be defined as the integration of digital technologies such as communication applications, laptops and digital tools in leadership practices of school leaders towards a worthwhile change in the use of technology at schools. Therefore it can be seen as a combination of educators, technology and resources.
Digital leadership also encompasses not only the use of technology, but also relies on online forums like blogs and video conferencing to carry out leadership functions. As a digital leader it is vital to be an effective communicator to apply the various practices in your institution. Communication through virtual meetings, sharing of files online, virtual teaching and monitoring student performance, is effective in promoting the overall goals of your educational institution.
Digital leadership is not without its challenges. The vision for the school or institution should be shared with all stakeholders including the students, guiding them on how digital tools will allow them to perform differently when compared to analog practices. According to Macleod (2015) Technology transforms traditional teaching causing students to have more agency over their own learning.
Society has become more reliant on technology and it is essential that leaders grasp the power of emerging technologies to create a more positive and engaging school culture. According to Eric Sheninger in his discourse on the 7 Pillars, when leaders understand the misconceptions persons have surrounding technology, they can establish a vision for its effective use to improve leadership.
An effective digital leader will recognize the impact of technology on staff and leverage it to execute staff training and development with the minimum amount of stress. Leaders can tap into the potential of the technologies in order to achieve institutional goals. School leaders need to be active and engaged participants
The picture below outlines the 7 Pillars of Digital Leadership, which have an impact on how a digital strategy will be laid out for the Education Leader.
Pillars of Digital Leadership
The 7 Pillars, Communication, Public Relations, Branding. Student Engagement, Opportunity, Professional Growth and Re-envisioning Learning Spaces are aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education's Standards for Educational Leaders. These standards target the requisite knowledge which leaders need to empower teachers and improve student learning outcomes. They monitor and evaluate the skills required by leaders to help implement technology as well as to transform the educational landscape.
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With these systems in place an Educational Leader is well on their way to increasing productivity through digital technologies.
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