Administrative Support Matters

 

"The Backbone of Tech Success: Why Administrative Support Matters"

As I entered my 16th year in education, I have come to realize that administrative support is crucial and significantly influences the atmosphere of a school. In today's world, where technology is prevalent and actively encouraged in schools, backing up from the administration becomes even more vital. They play a key role in cultivating an environment where both teachers and students can excel. Effective administrators not only offer the essential resources and training for teachers to seamlessly incorporate technology into their classrooms but also create an environment of innovation and experimentation. They motivate educators to explore new tools and approaches, ensuring that the learning experience remains exciting and engaging. Administrators are essential in maintaining a tech-based teaching and learning environment. According to Starr, L. (2009), school administrators can promote technology use most effectively by becoming knowledgeable and effective users of technology themselves.

Supportive administrators advocate for ongoing professional development, updating teachers on technological advancements and learning strategies and safety. This empowers teachers to meet diverse learners' needs and prepare students for a digital world. Frazier and Hearrington (2017) highlight the importance of enhanced professional development to address privacy issues and support effective decision-making. 

Administrators also build school culture valuing collaboration, communication, and community involvement. Starr (2009) notes principals greatly impact school climate by working with teachers, parents, and students to create a shared vision for success. Frazier and Hearrington (2017) state, "The coordinator must foster teaching and learning with technology for maximum success and impact" (p. 141). By investing in educators and embracing technology, administrators foster learning environments that inspire both students and teachers.

Thompson (2021) explains, "If it's an expectation for your faculty and staff to use technology, it's also important for you to model best practices for it. Consider conducting an assessment to learn what types of tools your teachers are using so that you can begin to use them during professional development, staff meetings, and faculty discussions. This helps to build up the school community through intentional action and demonstrates a consistent unified approach to technology tools that ultimately provide educational benefits for students." 

Thompson (2021) emphasizes “Administration plays a big role in setting expectations for technology use. However, technology is not just about tools that teachers use, it’s also about how technology can elevate academic instruction.”  

The video below provides professional development for administrators on how technology is changing education. The video really helps administrators go beyond facilitation to become visionaries who foresee educational trends and prepare teachers.  According to Starr, L. (2009), there must be a strong focus on staff development, to help teachers learn to use technology as a tool for teaching and learning.

Furthermore, it's also important for administrators to celebrate and highlight the successes achieved through technology integration. Sharing stories of how technology has transformed learning experiences can inspire others and demonstrate the tangible benefits of embracing digital tools.

Administration plays a big role in setting expectations for technology use in schools. However, technology is not just about tools that teachers use, it’s also about how technology can elevate academic instruction.

Ultimately, administrators who lead with empathy, vision, and a commitment to continuous learning create an educational environment where innovation thrives, and every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

References

Educational Innovation 360. (2022, November 4). How technology is changing education [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/LkVbdFjW6jk

Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2017). The technology coordinator's handbook: A guide for edtech facilitators and leaders (3rd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Starr, L. (2009). The administrator's role in technology integration. Education World. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech087.shtml

Thompson, V. (2021, September 13). Leading the way on technology integration. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/leading-way-technology-integration/