Strengthen District Leadership and Communications

You should consider yourself the model-in-chief in your district, taking every opportunity to showcase innovative technology in your work with your staff and community. "Walking the walk" with multimedia presentations to the school board or podcasts to the faculty or a blog of your own, for example, will illustrate your commitment to changing the culture of education in your district. And your own willingness to put yourself on the line and take risks will alleviate some of the resistance and fear that are typical with new technology.

Leading a school district and dealing with day-to-day responsibilities is demanding work that can leave superintendents isolated. Technology can help you stay in touch with the wider world and gain perspectives that can make you a more effective leader. For example, online conferences and forums such as blogs, chat programs and instant messaging enable you to network with your peers, benchmark what other school systems in your state, the nation and abroad are doing, and be among the first to learn about research, best practices and technology innovations. Similarly, technology can be used to support new or struggling principals, teachers or other educators with coaching or mentoring.