6 Summary

In the future it is highly likely that access to the internet and the availability of affordable electronic devices will increase. As a school leader, you need to be aware that you are preparing children for life in a complex and fast-changing world. The more exposure that they can have to new technologies while they are at school, the better equipped they will be to thrive in the future, as, the National Policy on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in School Education 2012 puts it, ‘preparing youth to participate creatively in the establishment, sustenance and growth of a knowledge society leading to all round socioeconomic development of the nation and global competitiveness’.

The aim of this unit has been to demonstrate that using ICT in school does not require a dedicated computer facility, and to highlight some of the ways in which you can build ICT resources in your school. It is important that your ICT strategy:

• takes into account the skills and confidence of your teachers
• achieves the educational outcomes you want to achieve
• puts you in a strong position to capitalise on any opportunities that arise (such as donations and gifts).

This unit is part of the set or family of units that relate to the key area of transforming teaching-learning process (aligned to the National College of School Leadership). You may find it useful to look next at other units in this set to build your knowledge and skills:

• Leading improvements in teaching and learning in the elementary school
• Leading improvements in teaching and learning in the secondary school
• Leading assessment in your school
• Supporting teachers to raise performance
• Leading teachers’ professional development
• Mentoring and coaching
• Developing an effective learning culture in your school
• Promoting inclusion in your school
• Managing resources for effective student learning.