Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times

by Eric C. Sheninger

Overview

Lead for efficacy in these disruptive times!

Just as the digital landscape is constantly evolving, the second edition of Digital Leadership moves past trends and fads to focus on the essence of leading innovative change in education now and in the future. As society and technology evolve at what seems a dizzying pace, the demands on leaders are changing as well. With a greater emphasis on leadership dispositions, this revamped edition also features

• New structure and organization emphasizing the interconnectivity of the Pillars of Digital Leadership to drive sustainable change
• Innovative strategies and leadership practices that enhance school culture and drive learning improvement
• Updated vignettes from digital leaders who have successfully implemented the included strategies
• New online resources, informative graphics, and end of chapter guiding questions

Now is the time to embrace innovation, technology, and flexibility to create a learning culture that provides students with 21st century critical competencies! 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781544350813
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	04/03/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Eric is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. His work focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward. This has led to the formation of the Pillars of Digital Leadership, a framework for all educators to initiate sustainable change to transform school cultures. As a result, Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best selling author, and sought after speaker. His main focus is purposeful integration of technology to facilitate student learning, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunity, transform learning spaces, and help educators grow professionally. Eric has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his work. He is a CDE Top 30 award recipient, Bammy Award winner, NASSP Digital Principal Award winner, PDK Emerging Leader Award recipient, winner of Learning Forward’s Excellence in Professional Practice Award, Google Certified Innovator, Adobe Education Leader, and ASCD 2011 Conference Scholar. Eric has published several books on school leadership, partnering with Corwin on Uncommon Learning, and the 1^st and 2^nd editions of Digital Leadership.

 

He has also contributed on education for the Huffington Post, sits on the advisory board for many innovative companies, and was named to the NSBA “20 to Watch” list in 2010 for technology leadership. TIME Magazine also identified Eric as having one of the 140 Best Twitter Feeds in 2014. He now presents and speaks nationally to assist other school leaders to embrace and effectively utilize technology. His blog, A Principal’s Reflections, was selected as Best School Administrator Blog in 2013 and 2011 by Edublogs. It was also recognized with an Editor’s Choice Content Award in 2014 by Smartbrief Education.Eric began his career in education as a Science Teacher at Watchung Hills Regional High School where he taught a variety of subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Marine Biology, Ecology) and coached several sports (ice hockey, football, lacrosse). He then transitioned into the field of educational administration as an Athletic Director/Supervisor of Physical Education&Health and Vice Principal in the New Milford School District. During his administrative career, he has served as District Affirmative Action Officer and was the president of the New Milford Administrator’s Association. During his tenure as high school principal he successfully implemented numerous initiatives including a new teacher evaluation system (McREL), Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), oversaw Common Core implementation, and initiated a new grading philosophy. Eric received his M.Ed. in Educational Administration from East Stroudsburg University, B.S. in Biology from Salisbury University, and his B.S. in Marine/Environmental Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
A Day in the Life of a Digital Leader
Chapter 1: How the Learning Landscape Has Changed
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Technology and Society
A New Learner
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 2: A Compelling Case for Change
A School Leader’s New Path Forward
Excuses Hold Us Back
You Get What You Model
Embrace Innovation
Bold Ideas for a Bold New World
Grow Into a Digital Leader
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 3: Leading Sustainable Change
The Journey of a Practitioner
Unearthing the Secrets of Change
The Process of Change
Overcoming Potential Roadblocks to Change
Moving Large Change Efforts Forward
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 4: Leading Through a Digital Lens
A Superintendent’s Journey
Be in the Driver’s Seat
The Pillars of Digital Leadership
ISTE Standards for Educational Leaders
Future Ready Schools
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 5: Improving Student Engagement, Learning, and Outcomes
School Should Reflect Real Life
How Research Should Guide the Work
Improving Pedagogy with a Learner-Focused Mindset and Framework
Moving from Teaching to Empowered Learning
A Pedagogical Foundation for Digital Tools
Rigorous and Relevant Learning as the Standard
Digital Learning in Action
A Focus on Critical Competencies
Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 6: Transforming Learning Spaces and Environments
Clark Hall––A Creative Learning Environment
Designing Schools to Engage and Drive Learning
Makerspaces
Devices for All (1:1)
Improving Access With BYOD
Blended Learning Versus Blended Instruction
Individualized and Personalized Learning
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 7: Professional Growth and Learning
A Shift in Professional Learning
The Rise of Social Media as a Tool for Growth in Professional Practice
Personal Learning Networks (PLNs)
Connectedness as the Standard
The Professional Growth Period
Why Every Leader Needs a PLN
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 8: Communication
No Better Time Than Now
Trailblazers Modeling the Way
Engage Stakeholders Using a Multifaceted Approach
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 9: Public Relations
A District Forges a New Path
Tell Your Story
We Need More Stories of Success
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 10: Branding
A Move to BrandED Thinking
Two Conversations Around BrandED Thinking
Why a BrandED Mindset Matters
The Right Hashtag
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 11: Discovering Opportunity
Strategic Partnerships
Academies
Leveraging Social Media
The Interconnectedness of the Pillars of Digital Leadership
Summary
Guiding Questions
Chapter 12: Leading for Efficacy
A Shining Example: Wells Elementary School
A Push for Efficacy
Summary
Guiding Questions
Online Resources
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

Eric Sheninger’s book builds upon his impressive accomplishments as a digital leader. I have had a chance to learn from Eric through his involvement with Digital Learning Day, and I am thrilled that others can learn even more from about leading schools to maximize the potential of digital learning and asking the tough questions to more effectively meet the needs of each student. Eric’s bold approach to school reform and the thoughtful pillars he lays out in this book provide important guidance for other education leaders striving to implement digital learning.

Bob Wise

"Eric has created a must-read book for principals seeking to bring their schools into the digital age. He has created the compelling case for the many ways digital tools can have a powerful, positive effect in our schools. From classroom practice to the way in which we create the digital footprint of our schools, Eric steps us through how school leaders can evolve to meet the challenges of our modern age. "

Chris Lehmann

Digital Leadership is quite simply a tour de force of a book. It is timely, relevant, and essential reading for those leading educational change within a fast and furious digital world. The book is fundamentally about learning and pedagogy rather than software or hardware. It is a manifesto for change in a digital age and is fundamentally concerned with using technology to enhance the learning outcomes and life chances of all students. It is a must read!

Professor Alma Harris

Eric Sheninger has done it again! As I read through the second edition of Digital Leadership, it was clear to me that the title of the book alone tells a very “compelling story.” Eric is not one who simply studied digital leadership and then started consulting on it—he walked digital leadership for years as a highly successful principal. He literally led his school digitally and resultantly the school experienced tremendous success. Through Digital Leadership, he has taken those strategies and infused them into this invaluable second edition. If you are in school leadership and you are looking for proven strategies toward successfully incorporating technology into your academic program, the second edition of Digital Leadership is your resource.

Principal Baruti Kafele

There are books on technology that don’t show you how to change. There are books on how to change that have nothing to say about technology. Then there are curmudgeonly commentaries that are dismissive about change and technology in equal measure. Eric Sheninger’s book alters all that. Through personal testimony, practical examples and a commitment to clear professional learning, Digital Leadership opens your mind, and shows you the tools that will make you think again about what 21^st Century Learning can really look like. If your ipads are used as notebooks, your smartboards are glorified whiteboards and your school has an electronic ban on access to everything, this book will make you look at technology and learning with totally different eyes.”

Professor Andy Hargreaves

Five years ago, Eric Sheninger cemented the importance of digital leadership at all levels of a school district. In the time since the first book’s release, the 4th industrial revolution has continued to accelerate changes on the outside of the school walls. To remain relevant throughout this evolution, school leaders must work to create the learning experiences today’s modern learners need to thrive in their future workforce. In this second edition, Sheninger solidifies his leadership pillars, through a refined underpinning of evidence and research, to ensure efficacy and deeper learning experiences, while avoiding the low level fluff that has pervaded the education space. If you want to ensure a return on instruction and work to create schools that are future ready, this book will be a foundational support for your journey.

Thomas C. Murray

If you were not an inspired leader and advocate for technology before reading this book you will be by the end of it. As technology advances and becomes a way of being for students, Eric challenges school leaders not only to keep up but to excel. The book is thought provoking, encouraging, and most important practical for today’s leaders.

Dr. Russell J. Quaglia

Digital Leadership” is more than a catchphrase—it’s how school principals must lead students, parents, and teachers—and no one is better equipped to describe this leadership approach than Eric Sheninger.

Digital Leadership is a carefully crafted and highly readable book that simultaneously provides a view of digital leadership from 60,000 feet alongside a boots-on-the-ground realist’s view of modern schooling. From setting aside fears of technology to understanding the importance of communication, public relations, and even branding, Digital Leadership offers compelling recommendations not only focused on the need to change but also on best ways to sustain change.

It’s possible that Eric saved the best for last when he describes the networked teacher and how students must be engaged in new, exciting ways, for truly, school leadership has always been about helping teachers engage students.

Finally, don’t mistake this as a book on technology. From the first to the last page, Eric’s book is all about school leadership, one that I highly recommend to every school leader. "

William Bushaw

"How do school leaders transform themselves from the leadership style of today to become digital leaders of tomorrow? Eric Sheninger's Digital Leadership is an easy read for those who want to begin the transition to digital leadership but have been afraid to take the first step. More than merely a 'how to' book, Digital Leadership is a clarion call to action that compels the reader to do something now to transform schools into 'vibrant learning communities that are connected and allow social media to unleash creativity in learners.'

Digital Leadership addresses the growing disconnect between the world our students inhabit and the world in which they are educated. Replete with stories and concrete examples of 'how to', Digital Leadership is a must read for any school leader who recognizes that we stand at a crossroads in education where innovative leaders who possess the courage, passion, knowledge, and skills believe that 'technology is not just a shiny tool that can increase engagement but a conduit to endless possibilities that can enhance every facet of what we do in education.' A must read. "

Jo Ann Bartoletti

This book will equip leaders to model the skills, competencies, and pillars of Digital Leadership like never before. One of the biggest misnomers of this generation is the idea that leadership is an act of knowing. The thing that’s truly missing in many schools is modeling. Sheninger’s Digital Leadership (2nd Edition) tackles the leadership gap head on by moving leaders from knowing the way to showing the way.

Dr. Brad Gustafson

The role of a leader isn’t to tell others what to do. It’s to show them what they can become. The world of education doesn’t change annually, it changes daily. The digital connection to how we lead is an ever-changing landscape and one all leaders need to knows how to navigate. Creating leadership capacity in others moves the whole system. Eric Sheninger not only provides a pathway to get there, but he also provides the connections to move forward. The intersection of ISTE standards, Future Ready Frameworks, and organizational change makes this a must read for leaders in a changing world.

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

"I can’t wait to get real copies of this in the hands of teacher leaders and colleagues. I absolutely believe that this work has the potential for tremendous impact. We have waited too long for this book, and the time is ripe to move forward with the information it has to offer. I look forward to book studies and networking with my colleagues about how they have successfully employed these ideas and strategies. "

David G. Daniels

There can be a perceived hysteria when it comes to integrating technology into education, especially from a leadership perspective. As an administrator, I know how full our plate already is. This book helps simplify what YOU can do as a leader on your campus or in your district. The problem is our students today crave an environment that we struggle to provide. Sheninger provides a calming, thoughtful framework in Digital Leadership. Educators of all levels will benefit to his unlocking of a “solution” that combines where most districts are and where we should all strive to be. It is full of sound, relevant information that guides strategic thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and decision making—all to the benefit of the ones we serve. There are plenty of people lining up to offer up problems when it comes to how to lead in this digitally focused era, thankfully, we have Digital Leadership to help offer solutions.

Amber Teamann

"Eric recognizes that ongoing professional development is key to helping staff meet the challenges of the future. Eric Sheninger shares how to leverage technology to build a strong school-based professional learning agenda when other resources are not meeting the needs of your faculty and students. His story and tools will be inspirational to others. Eric Sheninger recognizes that professional learning is key to achieving the goals of career and college ready standards. He shares the strategies he implements to prepare this staff and students to embrace the power of technology. "

Stephanie Hirsch

I’m glad to see that Sheninger revisits Digital Leadership for a second time. There is great value in the fact that Eric looked at this topic through a lens of efficacy during this revisit. He focuses on the fact that it’s not that educators are resistant to technology, but that they often don’t have the confidence to keep up with the changing nature of it all, and Eric presents us all with a way to do that.

Peter De Witt

"What a great read! Digital Leadership situates the trends in technology and education within an historical context and provides a blueprint to the reader for a navigable pathway for the future. And it manages to do so in a way that is empowering and energizing, while still addressing the very real fears and challenges facing any leader standing at this nexus of authentic educational reform. It is a very rare blend of philosophy, pedagogy, and practical, roll-up-your-sleeves how-tos. "

Dr. Natalie Bernasconi

"Sheninger's book is well-written and cites specific, timely researched data regarding our students' use of technology. It would behoove us as professional educators and life-long learners to take heed of the shift that has already happened within the walls of our schools. It is time to embrace the students for the type of education they desire and the environments that style of learning demands. Our students crave real-time learning at their fingertips and flexible, collaborative spaces for doing so. "

The Essential Prinicipal Blog

"I loved this book! It is filled with many examples of how technology is impacting learning in classrooms across the country. Whether you are a technology guru or learning to embrace technology, every school administrator should read this book to learn ways to prepare their students to be successful in the 21st century. Leadership 3.0 is a mindset that every school administrator needs to embrace and lead with. I am going to request that my superintendent purchase it for my fellow administrators, along with the educators on our district technology team. "

Jessica Johnson

Sheninger’s Digital Leadership, second edition is straight from the heart of practice and it shows. Well advanced and consolidated from the first edition, more than anyone else Sheninger has integrated technology, learning, and change leadership. The seven pillars of learning are comprehensive. Leadership for quality implementation is captured beautifully. And the prominent positioning of efficacy and competencies nails impact. Digital Leadership is comprehensive for educators who want to advance learning with the latest know-how.

Michael Fullan

A must have book! Digital Leadership, Second Edition thoughtfully presents the research and actions needed for leading a school culture to find relevancy and utility in the digital tools that ignite innovative learning and maximize achievement. Using illuminating explanations, engaging stories, and informative graphics the author presents steps to “prepare kids to do anything, not something. "

Angeline A. Anderson

Educators like to read about the leadership journeys of others when approaching any change, especially when it comes to digital leadership. Eric Sheninger has provided current stories of trailblazing educators, including himself, together with essential research, to express the urgency of engaging today’s students in preparing for the current industrial revolution of exponential technological change. It is unlike any other time in history when educational leaders must rise to the occasion to influence others with the tools to affect change in the way we approach “school”.

Susan Borg

"This book is THE book on digital leadership. There is no one I can recommend more highly than the most connected educational leader today – Eric Sheninger – to help us navigate all of the changes taking place in classrooms, schools and districts. The book is perfect to help everyone initiate transformational change in a digital world. Whether you are a cutting edge techie or a nervous newbie this book is for you. "

Todd Whitaker

"I have to admit that I was hesitant to read Digital Leadership by Eric Sheninger, as the word "fluff" is what usually comes to mind when I think of books related to educational technology. To find the most current information, it would seem more practical to search blogs, website articles, Twitter, etc. Nevertheless, this book is anything but fluff, and it certainly is up to date. Sheninger, a former high school principal who has emerged as a thought leader in this age of digital leadership, has written a book that can serve as inspiration and an effective starting point for administrators and/or teachers who have realized that they must either infuse their practice with more progressive techniques, or entirely revamp their work to provide students with more contemporary and relevant learning experiences. Sheninger's work is valuable because he writes with a tone that is confident, passionate, and convincing. After reading this book, it would be difficult for anyone to argue, 'He's completely wrong,' or 'This wouldn't work in our district.' "

Ross Cooper

"Eric Sheninger's new book is a red-hot relevant guide to navigating the technology-driven, tectonic shifts taking place in education today. While education leaders of all stripes are groping for answers as the ground beneath them shifts, Digital Leadership provides a reliable, practical and tested road map for leading in the digital age. "

Errol St. Clair Smith

Digital Leadership is essential reading for any education leader trying to figure out how technology can strengthen schools—and what pitfalls to avoid. Eric Sheninger masterfully makes the connections as to how technology can strengthen schools, providing an essential guide for today's leaders in education. This is a readable, practical book! "

Cindy Johanson

I’m thrilled that Eric decided to put out a second edition of Digital Leadership. Since the first edition’s release back in 2014, we’ve seen changes in the digital landscape due to advances in technology. As school leaders, we must continue to adapt to these shifts in order to lead sustainable and meaningful change in our schools. As a highly acclaimed educator, leader, writer and speaker, Eric has dedicated his career to providing pedagogical frameworks, practical ideas, and real life examples that he has gathered from practitioners in the schools in which he serves. Regardless of your role in schools, I am confident you will find this second edition applicable to your work and inspire you to want to shift your practices as you continue to evolve as an educator.

Jimmy Casas

Digital Leadership is a focused guide to using the many new channels of modern communication to engage families, tell your school’s story, inspire staff growth and connection, and bring new relevance to the classroom. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there, this book will give you a head start on mastering your social media strategy.

Daniel H. Pink

"Eric's latest work provides relevant and practical advice for school leaders from a practicing school principal and other current principals in a variety of settings. The stories and examples hit home with school leaders in rural, urban, small, and large schools with any level of available or possible resources. Every school leader should read this book and find at least one idea to improve learning for students and relationships within the school community.

Digital leadership in school transformation is the moral imperative of education in the 21st Century. Eric provides a solid framerwork of strategies integrated with the Pillars of Digital Leadership and the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-A) for Administrators to guide school leaders as we take on this critical change.

Digital Leadership: Changing Technology for Change-Savvy School Leaders is a must-read for every school leader. Filled with inspiring stories of transformation from real, practicing campus leaders, along with an appendix filled with resources anyone can take to campus and use today, Eric Sheninger's work is certain to be one of the most valuable tresources in your professinoal library. "

Carrie Jackson

I’m glad to see that Sheninger revisits Digital Leadership for a second time. There is great value in the fact that Eric looked at this topic through a lens of efficacy during this revisit. He focuses on the fact that it’s not that educators are resistant to technology, but that they often don’t have the confidence to keep up with the changing nature of it all, and Eric presents us all with a way to do that.

Peter DeWitt

"How do school leaders transform themselves from the leadership style of today to become digital leaders of tomorrow? Eric Sheninger's Digital Leadership is an easy read for those who want to begin the transition to digital leadership but have been afraid to take the first step. More than merely a 'how to' book, Digital Leadership is a clarion call to action that compels the reader to do something now to transform schools into 'vibrant learning communities that are connected and allow social media to unleash creativity in learners.'

Digital Leadership addresses the growing disconnect between the world our students inhabit and the world in which they are educated. Replete with stories and concrete examples of 'how to', Digital Leadership is a must read for any school leader who recognizes that we stand at a crossroads in education where innovative leaders who possess the courage, passion, knowledge, and skills believe that 'technology is not just a shiny tool that can increase engagement but a conduit to endless possibilities that can enhance every facet of what we do in education.' A must read."

JoAnn Bartoletti

"Eric recognizes that ongoing professional development is key to helping staff meet the challenges of the future.

Eric Sheninger shares how to leverage technology to build a strong school-based professional learning agenda when other resources are not meeting the needs of your faculty and students. His story and tools will be inspirational to others.

Eric Sheninger recognizes that professional learning is key to achieving the goals of career and college ready standards. He shares the strategies he implements to prepare this staff and students to embrace the power of technology. "

Stephanie Hirsh