Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

When designing IT systems, technicians may prioritize system functionality and security, while educators may focus on ease of use and alignment with curriculum goals.

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a framework used to understand and predict why people choose to use or reject technology. It was initially developed for business and industry but is increasingly relevant in education as schools become more reliant on technology for teaching and learning.

Actively solicit input from teachers and students throughout the technology planning and implementation process.

"Teachers may not know how to set up networks, but we do know if they work for us, and easy and useful are things we can see and talk about."

Successful technology integration necessitates an iterative approach, involving continuous feedback from teachers, students, and technical staff.

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its extension, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), provide a valuable lens for understanding and promoting technology adoption in educational settings.

Teachers need to see the value and usefulness of technology in enhancing their teaching and student learning. Technology should demonstrably improve efficiency and effectiveness.

If you think it is simple, you are wrong.

School leaders often face conflicting goals between technology personnel and educators when making technology decisions.

Technology stewards are leaders who emerge within communities of practice to bridge the gap between technologists and practitioners. They are deeply familiar with the goals and practices of their community and work to identify and implement technologies that support those goals.

Critical consciousness is the ability to reflect on and understand not only what you know but also why and how you know it. It enables learners to engage in meaningful dialogue with information and understand its social context.

Horizontal reform involves a cycle of introducing new initiatives with little support or rationale, encountering problems, and then abandoning or replacing them before they can have a lasting impact. This creates a constant churn of new practices without any real change in pedagogy or student experiences.

Continual obsolescence of technology requires consistent adaptation from educators.

The adoption and integration of technology is influenced by the school culture, perceived usefulness by peers, and collaborative efforts in curriculum development.

Educators are more likely to adopt technology if it simplifies their tasks and reduces effort. This requires ongoing training on new technologies and thoughtful integration to minimize cognitive load.

The rapidly evolving nature of information technology and educational landscapes necessitates adaptability in educators. They must be prepared for lifelong learning and continuous professional development to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices.

Great leaders are lifelong learners. Stay curious and keep evolving.

Leadership isn't about being in charge; it's about taking care of those in your charge.

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Do you need a sign that message really is from me... if it has a typo or two or three it is from me. If it has none, its probably not from me.