Modelling Inclusive and Healthy Use of Technology

  

As leaders, we have a critical responsibility to shape how technology is utilized in education. Therefore, we must take the initiative to model how technology can be used in inclusive and healthy ways to address challenges and strengthen communities. Some ways in which a leader can attain this task are as follows:

• Sets Standards and Expectations: The term 'do as I say and not as I do' is coined to set a standard without any blueprint to follow, but leaders must set a tone for others to follow and lead by example. Therefore, they must establish healthy norms and practices that are responsible, respectful, and productive in using technology with fellow staff and students alike.  

• Fostering Healthy Technology Use to Promote Well-being: Excessive technology use can cause stress and social disconnection. Leaders can counter this by modeling balanced screen time, encouraging mindfulness, offline engagement where the class is not only situated in a room but incorporates outside activities, and responsible digital citizenship more specifically
   respect for one's privacy and cyberbullying prevention.

• Using Technology for Problem Solving and Innovation: Technology should serve meaningful purposes in education. Thoughtful integration enhances learning, supports data-driven decision-making, and encourages students to solve real-world problems.

• Foster Equity and Accessibility: Inclusive technology helps all students, regardless of background or abilities, participate meaningfully and ensures fairness through tools that support diverse needs.

• Build Trust and Credibility: When leaders actively model inclusivity and responsible technology use, they build trust and credibility within their educational community, enhancing their ability to drive positive change.

In essence, leaders who exemplify these practices create a positive ripple effect, fostering a community that values inclusivity, equity, and well-being in the digital age. By setting a standard, they encourage others to model this behavior, influencing not only colleagues but also students and parents. Technology has enabled teachers to connect with students beyond the classroom, particularly at home.

 However, this increased accessibility has led to some unintended consequences. Students are often "bombarded" with additional assignments, leaving many feeling overwhelmed by the increased workload. This has had unintended effects, such as a higher prevalence of students requiring glasses due to prolonged computer use.

 Despite these challenges, there have also been notable successes. Although not yet widespread across the school, certain faculties have implemented innovative initiatives. For instance, students have participated in science competitions leveraging technology, developed video games inspired by the Barbadian diaspora, and conceptualized stepping tiles that generate electricity.