IDEAL Future Work Package 2 Report

39 5.5 Leading digital learning Participants were asked about their experiences leading digital learning and discussed the influences on how they lead and critical considerations. The importance of building relationships and interpersonal duties cannot be underestimated in the context of leading digital learning as well as good planning and fostering culture. In addition some participants spoke of the operational tasks associated with their role. Theme Sub themes Interpersonal importance relationships and interpersonal duties, the role of the leader in building relationships, empowering staff, getting buy in, managing resistance and supporting/managing change Planning Creating a vision, budgeting, evidence based planning and simplifying information for the school community. Culture again ensuring voices are heard, supporting teachers and encouraging collaboration Operational Policy development Table 8: Summary of sub themes and codes under the theme of leading digital learning 5.5.1 Interpersonal The sub theme discussed at length under leadership was the importance relationships and interpersonal duties, the role of the leader in building relationships, empowering staff, getting buy in and supporting change was significant. Leaders described experiences with resistance when introducing digital learning technologies “ That’s for staffing and so we are a little bit forced to apply, how to say that, to implement all these tools because there is resistance… there have certainly been in the past, professors who wanted to keep the PC more in the classroom, … .” (FR P 20) “those (educational leaders) who are authoritarian and are not willing to listening to the needs of others may face more resistance.” (Sp P17) “Leading digital learning in the future will require strong skills and change management to help the education community adapt to new technologies and educational practices. This involves effectively communicating the benefits of change, involving all stakeholders, and managing resistance to change constructively.” (Sp P2) Interviewees had a critical understanding of their role as a ‘broker’ to successfully support the integration of digital learning in their school. Despite being met with resistance and challenges many of those interviewed had experienced success in integrating digital learning in their context. Empowering staff and building leadership was a common narrative in the interviews, leaders recognised their role in giving people ownership of change so they are empowered through the process When learning new digital tools (for teachers, parents, students), reassurance from the learning manager and a sense that we are trying and learning together, it's okay to make mistakes, is essential. (LV, 6 years as school principal and 25 years as educator Good leadership skills (the four performance disciplines) are essential when implementing digital solutions - maintaining a motivating environment for employees and creating a culture of accountability. (LV, 6 years as school principal and 25 years as educator