Title: Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times
Abstract: Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing TimesByE. C. Sheninger (2014)A Book ReviewMedia, politicians, and the public seem to attack our educational institutions including K-12, higher education, vocational, and adult education. This has affected funding, support, and understanding. Eric Sheninger, principal of the New Milford High School in New Jersey, realized he was not in control of his message and set out to shape how his institution was perceived by the school and public. He recognized Web 2.0 technologies were the key to his success. His lessons learned provide a guide for other educational leaders. This is a review of those lessons.Sheninger clearly states his purpose in the forward of the book, Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times presents a framework for leaders to harness the power of digital technologies in order to create school cultures that are transparent, relevant, meaningful, engaging, and inspiring (Sheninger, 2014, p. xx). He calls this framework the Pillars of Leadership:* Communication* Public relations* Branding* Student engagement/leaming* Professional growth/development* Reenvisioning learning spaces and environment* OpportunityWeb 2.0 technologies such as social media applications are at the heart of these pillars. Sheninger had to transform his opinions and perceptions of them before he could successfully implement these technologies. By his own admission, he did not see the need for technology in his school. He believed they would distract and not be worth the trouble. The notion of using social media was never a thought, since the perception was that it lacked any potential value for learning or education in general (Sheninger, 2014, p. 64). However, he became connected through social media to digital leaders and realized the importance technology played in learning and professional development.Sheninger highlights across 12 chapters educational leaders who exemplify each of the pillars. These stories show digital leaders succeeding in this new technological world. He explains what each leader is using in terms of technology, and more importantly, why they are using it.Pillars of LeadershipCommunicationSheninger notes traditional methods of communication have lost effectiveness. Individuals want constant up-to-date information. Sheninger explains howhe keeps everyone (staff, faculty, students, and community) abreast of the latest information using Twitter, Facebook, Google Voice, blogs, social bookmarking, Google+ Hangouts on Air, and many other tools. A key component of his success is teaching everyone how to use these various tools.Public RelationsSheninger notes the media can often fail to tell an institution's story due to time constraints or a desire to focus on negative stories. Educational institutions have the ability to shape their public images by putting out their own information through social media. As Sheninger observes, If we do not tell our story, someone else will (2014, p. 98).BrandingSheninger looks at brandng from two perspectives: the personal professional brand and the institutional brand. He believes each is equally important. …
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 65
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