Principals should learn how to use technology themselves and model its use for staff in order to effectively integrate technology in schools. If principals are unwilling to adopt technology, staff will be less willing to do so as well. Leaders must demonstrate continuous learning through their own professional development to successfully implement new practices and lead change.

1. “The literature . . . asserts that principals
should learn how to operate technology
and use it whenever possible for carrying
out their own duties . . . “
–Ronald E. Anderson and Sara Dexter
“School Technology Leadership:An Empirical Investigation of Prevalence
and Impact”

2. “Your staff will watch very carefully. If
they see that you are unwilling to “walk
the talk” about integrating technology. . .
it is all but certain there will be less
willingness. . .to do the extra work
required to learn about implementing and
integrating technology.”
– Principal Chris Toy
“Leadership and Effectively Integrating Educational Technology”

3. “Leaders who successfully model their
school’s values and practices . . . .
Demonstrate the importance of
continuous learning through visible
engagement in their own professional
learning . . . . “
–Kenneth Leithwood, et. al
National College of School Leadership Research Report RR800

4. “Have you ever seen a PowerPoint on ‘21st
Century Change’ from an administrator who
does not exhibit any of the learning that is
being discussed in the presentation? Me too.
People will feel more comfortable taking a
journey to an unknown place if they know that
the first steps have been taken by someone
else.”
–George Couros
“School Technology Leadership:An Empirical Investigation of Prevalence and
Impact”