Understanding the "Third Wave" Challenge

Technology leadership presents special challenges for superintendents for good reasons. Chief among them is that the focus of educational technology is changing rapidly, from putting in place a solid infrastructure to using technology systematically to change educational practices and significantly improve results. Districts are at very different places when it comes to realizing the full, transformative value of technology.

Futurists define the "third wave" as the next stage of revolutionary change in technology and society. By this definition, the first wave of educational technology is the infrastructure – wiring, outlets and networks; tools-computing devices and other hardware and software; and access-bandwidth. The infrastructure is an essential condition, but only a starting point, for effective use of technology in schools.

The second wave of educational technology is the supportive and enabling applications – student information systems, distance learning and online standardized tests, for example. These kinds of applications are vital for making education more efficient and effective, and improving access to content, but they do not fundamentally change traditional educational paradigms.

The third wave of educational technology is transformative applications – fully infusing and integrating technology into every aspect of the system, including academic standards and curriculum, pedagogy, professional development, leadership, administration, communications and assessments. Drilling down into the experiences and interactions between teachers and students is the most difficult and intensive use of technology – and it is also the direction in which schools must move to prepare U.S. students to be internationally competitive.

Education lags behind every other major industry in using technology effectively as a tool for productivity, learning, communications and creativity. With districts under pressure to improve student achievement and modernize educational practices, superintendents must be at the vanguard of technology leadership to reach this new frontier.

"The Superintendent must have the vision and then it’s his [or her] job to put the support and resources, both financial and personnel, in place to reach that vision."
— Kevin Case, Superintendent, Inman Unified School District, KS