Schools nowadays are working towards a massive shift in technology integration. Thus, having the need to expand current IT organizational frameworks and personnel positions in the department . For most local schools in the Philippines, technology is taught as a separate subject . Therefore, the IT department is very traditional and small-it is comprised of a network manager, IT technician and the computer teachers. The main job of network managers is to set up networks, monitor servers and troubleshoot network problems around the school . IT technicians are in charge of software and hardware concerns. Computer teachers are part of the department but do not need to meet with the network manager or technicians .
On the other hand, most international schools have expanded their IT organization since technology is now being integrated across the curriculum. Positions such as technology director, social media coordinator, media specialist and curriculum specialist have added to the list .
There is a massive difference in these 2 frameworks in terms of how the organization affects student learning as well as its capability to lead greater innovation .
First of all , when a school decides to push for technology integration across the school, the focus in each unit is the curriculum outcome and not just the technology. Technology integration allows students to select technology tools that can enhance their learning, synthesize and analyze information and present their work to an audience.
Second, the local school’s Tech department has very limited functions in the school – which only mean that the results or input they will bring will also be limited . On the other hand, the international school’s IT organizational framework has a wider scope and could give more support to the members of the community.
I believe it is time for a shift in perspective. Schools that have not adapted technology integration into their curriculum should already do so. Budget is not a major issue here. Schools can expand their IT departments by restructuring the organization and defining new roles. Local schools should consider having a technology director who can work interdepartmentally with teachers. The job description of a tech director changes rapidly . Schools need to hire heads who are constantly willing to learn and collaborate . This one giant step can be the beginning of new innovations for local schools.
Sources:
Changing Role of the CTO by Doug Johnson
On the other hand, most international schools have expanded their IT organization since technology is now being integrated across the curriculum. Positions such as technology director, social media coordinator, media specialist and curriculum specialist have added to the list .
There is a massive difference in these 2 frameworks in terms of how the organization affects student learning as well as its capability to lead greater innovation .
First of all , when a school decides to push for technology integration across the school, the focus in each unit is the curriculum outcome and not just the technology. Technology integration allows students to select technology tools that can enhance their learning, synthesize and analyze information and present their work to an audience.
Second, the local school’s Tech department has very limited functions in the school – which only mean that the results or input they will bring will also be limited . On the other hand, the international school’s IT organizational framework has a wider scope and could give more support to the members of the community.
I believe it is time for a shift in perspective. Schools that have not adapted technology integration into their curriculum should already do so. Budget is not a major issue here. Schools can expand their IT departments by restructuring the organization and defining new roles. Local schools should consider having a technology director who can work interdepartmentally with teachers. The job description of a tech director changes rapidly . Schools need to hire heads who are constantly willing to learn and collaborate . This one giant step can be the beginning of new innovations for local schools.
Sources:
Changing Role of the CTO by Doug Johnson