Running Head: SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

A Shared and Collective Vision for Technology Integration

Tori Sinco
ITEC 7410
Summer 2016
Dr. Warren Goetzel

Keywords: shared, vision, technology, integration, instructional

SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

A Shared and Collective Vision for Technology Integration
Vision Statement
Technology should play a dominant role in meeting the needs of the diverse

population of our school. Our mission is to enable all students, regardless of race, ability,
or socio-economic status, to become contributing citizens that can compete in the 21st
century world. It is our goal to empower students to communicate effectively, utilize
technology, problem-solve, and adapt to the challenges of the future.

Rationale
According to the National Institute for Professional Practice (2014), Our
changing workplace requires that all 21st Century workers master the skills required in a
knowledge-society as well as the new skills necessary to move beyond the Information
Age into the Conceptual Age. (Conclusion section, para 1.) It must be acknowledged
that 21st century skills are a crucial part of educating todays students. Schools must also
be prepared to try new learning designs and ever evolving technology, while maintaining
rigorous academic standards. All of this will not happen without a roadmap to success, so
to speak a shared vision for the future of technology integration.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed 14
Essential Conditions, critical elements needed to leverage technology for learning. One of
these 14 conditions is a Shared Vision, described by ISTE (2016) as the driving force
behind a technology implementation plan. (Shared Vision Section, para. 2) For
technology implementation to be effective, a clear and collaborative vision of where the
school is headed and the steps needed to get there is vital. The ISTE website (2016) says
it best, A shared vision becomes the paddle the organization uses to steer toward the

SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

future. When a system is guided by a clearly defined vision and leaders actively collect,
incorporate and share input from stakeholders at all levels, a community of understanding
and collaboration develops to propel the organization forward in its mission. (Shared
Vision Section, para. 3)
This shared vision will ensure that all stakeholders are working collectively
toward a common goal that will result in positive effects for students.

Diversity Considerations
In a perfect world, all students would have equitable access to technology or
digital resources at home and school. Since this is not the case, it is essential that Sixes
Elementary School provide equal technology access to students, regardless of gender,
ethnicity, or socio-economic status. According to Creighton (2003), The number of
schools reporting that their students regularly use technology to gather information from
such sources as the Internet decreases as the percentage of students receiving free and
reduced-price lunches increases (Creighton, p. 13). It is imperative that we develop a
plan to ensure that diversity is considered and planned for with regards to technology.
First and foremost, we must evaluate our current usage to determine which groups of
students are not receiving equitable access to technology, whether that be girls, free and
reduced lunch students, minority students, etc.
As a staff, we must also ensure that our staff is receiving equitable access to both
technology resources and the necessary professional development to feel empowered to
utilize the technology available. While conducting an anonymous survey of my staff,
many teachers expressed feelings of intimidation and hesitation when it came to
integrating technology. They just were not sure even where to begin. (Anonymous,

SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

Personal Communication, 2016). Effective professional development on a variety of tools

and resources is essential.
Stakeholder Roles
Instructional Technology Specialist
The Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) is the main source of technology
training and professional development for teachers within the school. He/she will
collaborate with teachers to deliver instruction that they find beneficial, while also
introducing them to new technology resources along with ideas of how to incorporate that
technology into a rigorous and challenging curriculum. Classroom observations and coteaching of lessons incorporating technology effectively will also be an important piece
of the professional development piece. This risk-free environment allows teachers to ask
questions, try new pieces of technology with students, and practice utilizing technology
to empower and motivate students without judgement. These steps will ensure all
teachers are technologically adept and fully capable of integrating technology within their
classrooms.
Teachers
Teachers will address state content standards as well as technology literacy
standards. This will be done in an academically rigorous and engaged learning setting
where students move beyond basic recall and skills to application, analysis, evaluation, or
synthesis. The learning tasks presented by teachers will include tasks that are authentic
and meaningful, student-directed, multi-disciplinary, and culturally responsive.
Technology will be infused within the curriculum in a meaningful way that
enhances critical thinking as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills.

SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

Academic needs of students will be met and learning enhanced through the incorporation
of technology. Teachers will integrate technology into all content areas, teaching students
to operate technology tools and applications. In addition, teachers will monitor the use of
technology to be sure diverse groups have equitable access to resources.
Teachers will utilize the available trainings to learn emerging technologies and
become comfortable with the technology available within the school and district. It is also
the responsibility of teachers to honestly complete surveys regarding professional
development needs so that appropriate training can be offered.
Administrators
Administrators have many roles to ensure that the shared vision for technology
integration comes to fruition. First and foremost, the administrative team will support
teachers in the integration of technology. This includes providing materials, coordinating
requested trainings, and encouraging teachers on their technology journey.
Administrators will also closely monitor the use of technology within the school,
ensuring that it is meeting the goal of enhancing teaching and learning. The
administrative team, along with a group of teacher leaders, will devise a plan for ensuring
all diverse groups within the school have equitable access to technology and resources.
Parents/Community Members
Parents and community members assist by providing real-life learning
opportunities and information. This allows students to apply their classroom learning to
real-life experiences and situations. This can be accomplished utilizing technology such
as Skype. Community members also actively support the integration of technology within
the school.

SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

Students
Students participate daily in hands-on technology in all content areas while
pursuing new ideas/tools with an open mind. In addition, students will take on the role of
a teacher as they assist their peers with content and technology literacy.
Conclusion
Creating an environment within our school where all teachers, parents,
administrators, and staff members have a shared vision of technology integration will
ensure a setting in which rigorous content standards are met while also preparing
students for the 21st century. The shared vision allows the school and its stakeholders to
have a clearly defined goal that all members are actively working towards. A strong
professional development piece will allow all teachers to be technologically adept and no
longer fear incorporation of technology.

SHARED VISION & RATIONALE

References
1. Essential Conditions. (2016). Retrieved July 01, 2016, from
http://www.iste.org/standards/tools-resources/essential-conditions/shared-vision
2. Jones, B. Valdez, G., Nowakowski, J. Rasmussen, C. (1995). Plugging In.
Oakbrook, IL: North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, p. 9.
3. International Society for Technology in Education. (2011). ISTE Standards:
Coaches. Retrieved June 27, 2016, from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/2014_ISTE_Standards-C_PDF.pdf

4. National Institute for Professional Practice (2014). 21st Century Skills for Success
The National Institute for Professional Practice. Retrieved June 29, 2016, from
http://www.professionalpractice.org/about-us/skills_for_success_2/
Appendix
Final Interview Questions
1. Do you feel our school has a vision for educational technology? Explain.
2. Does our school have short-term and long-term goals for how technology will be
utilized to meet educational goals? If so, please explain. If not, please tell what goals you
would put in place.
3. Do you feel our school has consistent and adequate funding to meet our technology
needs?
4. Do you feel our school and district provides equitable access to technology? Explain.
5. Do you have access to the ongoing professional learning necessary to use technology
successfully? Explain.
6. Do you feel our community and parents are involved in supporting the use of
technology and digital learning? Explain.
7. How comfortable are you with using digital tools to increase productivity and enhance
learning? Who would you turn to for assistance if needed?