Leading ICT integration

"Changing the balance between teaching as transmission and teaching which enables pupils to construct new knowledge and become powerful learners is a process which needs to be led."

Effectively integrating ICT into teaching, learning and the general life of a school will bring a range of benefits; but in doing so, the school will inevitably face a series of decisions and challenges. These will most likely be far more to do with institutional and professional development than with the technology.

The process needs to be led, and by you as the headteacher. Where ICT is concerned, you can lead very effectively without detailed technical knowledge or understanding. However, you will need to understand the issues and effects of embedding ICT into learning and administration. You must be centrally involved in making crucial decisions about ICT, as well as being able to set a good example to others. Issues requiring your involvement include:

• knowing where your school is in terms of its ICT provision and use
• showing commitment to using ICT yourself
• ensuring that ICT remains a servant to learning and teaching rather than assuming the mantle of master
• communicating a clear vision of ICT development within your school
• setting progressive, challenging but achievable targets in ICT capability and use for students, staff and the institution itself (see the Strategic Planning section)
• keeping abreast of significant changes in related technologies (see the Resourcing ICT section)
• understanding the budgeting for and funding of ICT (see the Budgets and Funding section)
• delegating effectively and ensuring accountability (see The ICT Team section)
• giving ICT as a whole, and key ICT staff in particular, both standing and support (see The ICT Team section).

The suggestions that follow can assist newly-appointed headteachers, headteachers at the start of a new development planning phase, or headteachers taking a fresh look at ICT strategy and provision.