Learning - Thinking - Playing

A word on ICT Position Descriptions

One of the things I like to do is keep an eye on ICT advertised positions in weekend papers. I do this so that I get a feel for what schools are looking for in terms of skills and capabilities, I also do it to get an idea of the direction a school may be taking by what they say in their ad. ON the weekend (22-23 Sept07) there was an add for a Technology position at a school in Melbourne, upon investigating the position description and selection criteria I was slightly horrified at what I saw.

It appeared that the document put together as the position deception was from a basic leadership position template and that ICT was just added where required. There was no clear statement of responsibility, nor was their any documentation on what the school had done, was planning to do in regards to ICT. Sure readers will be saying that is what the school website is for and that is why you call the school and talk to the principal. My Counter to this argument is that in these highly competitive times having as much information as possible in the position description would help to ensure a highly competitive field during short listing.

What I think is the real issue and one that is becoming more evident through these position descriptions is that a large number of schools through their leadership do not have a very clear idea of where ICT and technology is going within the school or have the capacity to communicate what plans the schools has for ICT integration and application. This observation is not meant as a criticism, more a fact that many schools do not have a clear direction for their ICT spending, ICT integration in the curriculum, professional development and staff development and hence required staff skills.

I will finish this post with the selection criteria you would need too address for the position if you were to apply - remember this is for an ICT/Technology Co-ordinator role. What do you think?

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Obvious and vibrant commitment to Catholic education
• Appropriate qualifications and experience
• Accreditation certificate to teach in a Catholic school, preferably to teach Religious Education
• Exemplary teaching and learning practice
• A commitment to ongoing professional learning
• A vision for enhancing the academic climate of a school
• Ability to energise and expose the potential of the full range of student abilities
• Courage and courtesy
• Proactivity and imagination
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A proactive approach to creative problem solving skills
• Flexible approach to time
• Ability to work within a team
• Loyalty and support to the Principal and Leadership Team

Coburg Senior High

I had the opportunity to visit Coburg Senior High School last week for the second time and I was again impressed. From the outside the school looks unassuming and nondescript and much like many other secondary schools around the place. When you enter Coburg Senior that traditional look changes and you are exposed to a very open and welcoming environment. I really enjoyed having a look around the completed school and was amazed at the flexibility of the learning spaces as well as the focus of the students and teachers.

It was great to have the opportunity to look at what is happening at the school and to talk about the developing culture, student body and directions. I did not have the opportunity to speak with any of the students but from what I saw they were all engaged in activities or discussions. I was able to also have a look at the work completed by students and it was impressive. *The embedded video was created by students about the school.

If you get the chance to visit the school it is really worth while, check out the school website for PD activities and events as there are a growing number of opportunities on offer.

Thanks for hosting me Anne and Don.