Principals, Information Technology and leadership: coping with professional development despite isolation

Abstract

Shaping the use and direction of Information Technology in a school is not an easy task. Since principals are the decision makers and driving force in educational institutions they must play a pivotal role but many lack the IT skills and knowledge to do so. The Australian Principals Association Professional Development Council project targets the changing of attitudes and work habits among principals via a self-paced learning program using the Internet. It is designed to provide a structure of security for all levels of ability and is a systemwide approach to professional development.