EDUC 638, Week 4 Discussion

In this week's discussion, I chose to discuss the six elements that Sheninger addresses within Chapter 4 of our digital leadership text. The first element named “connectedness matters” refers to the importance of being connected to the latest and greatest of ideas, resources, and know-how out in the real world. Often times we get settled in our own way of doing things and become experts in the technology we are accustomed to using, and we forget that technology changes daily. It's very important to be connected into social media outlets in order to stay on top of new ideas. In my own experience, I have recently been encouraged to sign up for a professional twitter account. Before now, I was uninterested in twitter because I did not understand the purpose. But now that we are using it in meaningful ways, I see how useful the professional networking is within the site and can understand its importance. Although social media was not around in biblical times, God has known about its prevalence in today's society all along. I truly believe he has given man intelligence to use and spread meaningful information in order to help others .Proverbs 18:15 says “an intelligent heart requires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (ESV).

The second element that drives change is "vision". Sheninger encourages people who are working toward a common goal to share a common vision. Within my own professional experience as a leader, I believe this is a very important element of change. When people are on the same page with each other, it makes the attainment of a goal in a purpose so much easier to reach. Ephesians 4:16 says “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (ESV). God calls us to work together for common purposes.

The third element that drives change is "value". More specifically, the text talks about the value of technology within our learning environments. Technology is sometimes seen as a luxury, which therefore means it can be put to the side or is not a necessity. As educational technology leaders, we must emphasize the importance of technology within our classrooms and the numerous benefits technology brings to all different types of learning styles.

Fourthly, the text says that "support" drives change. In my own experience as an instructor, when I have felt supported and encouraged, I have performed at a higher level. When instructors fill beat down and micromanaged, they shut down and develop negativity in the workplace. Jesus discussed the importance of support and encouragement in Ecclesiastes 4:12. He said “and though a man might prevail against one who is alone, too will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (ESV). We are called to encourage and support each other throughout our pursuit of goals and through the many struggles of life.

"Professional development" also drives change. In writing a paper for previous class, I addressed the importance of professional development and how it can break down barriers for faculty who feel afraid of technology, who feel unappreciated and underpaid, who find distance education classes to be too time-consuming, and who have very low technical skills. In my experience, I have found that faculty are very willing to learn, but quality professional development programs must be in place to effectively address areas of need. Jesus provided continuous professional development activities throughout his life here on earth by teaching his disciples how to live and bring change on, themselves.

Finally, "embracement" of technology is the last element the text describes that drives change. The specific statement is made that says we should “embrace technology as opposed to securing buy-in” (Sheninger, 2014).  In my own position at school, I have watched the difference in faculty members who are excited about technology and embrace the whole learning experience. I have also seen many faculty members who think the technology is good, and will learn how to use it, but may not really see the importance of the technology or may not really get excited about it someday. Just like with other areas of our life, such as exercising, we enjoy things more if we embrace the opportunity and have a positive attitude about it rather than suffering through it just because they are expected to.

That's the end of my discussion for this week, hope you are having a great week!

Reference:

Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times. Corwin.