Abby- NETS-A

The most interesting part of the NETS-A was that the principal is supposed to be the symbolic leader for technology implementation in the school. Teachers are in the trenches doing the daily mechanical work as they find efficient ways to incorporate technology into lessons. Principals are there to inspire the entire school community in order to create a shared vision for change. The principal should be the wind beneath the wings of the staff in the effort to help technology boost student success.

The NETS-A also specifically outlines that the principal is supposed to advocate for technology funding at the state level. This requires the principal to know the full scope of the needs of staff and students in order to create a more effective learning culture through technology. Without knowing what the school needs, the principal cannot properly advocate for technology funding. The principal must make it a priority to have regular contact with staff members and students about what is working and what is not working with the technology currently in place.

The final point on NETS-A that I found interesting is the depth to which the principal must be abreast of the constantly-changing technology updates, changes, and programs and how those can or cannot be useful in a classroom setting. The principal must take into account all grade levels within the district, as well as all content areas, and be up-to-date on the technology that can be useful to those specific learning environments. This can feel like a daunting and exhausting challenge because of how quickly each program changes and new programs are released, but with good PLN's, it is a challenge that all principals can achieve together.