A Role of the University Leader in the 21st Century: A Case Study at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University,Thailand

Learning is a life-long process, it requires dedication and motivation on the students and lecturers part; and resources and moral support on the administrators part. A leader‘s duty in an educational institution is to provide a system where the lecturers achieve the desired learning outcome not only because they are empowered, competent and accountable, but also because they care. The co-administrators must exercise visionary leadership responsive to emerging learning needs of the nation; ensure adequate resources; promote appropriate technology; create and sustain a climate conducive to enhancing learning. The 21st century educational world is becoming highly competitive in many aspects. The leader‘s primary role is to foster an organization committed to a culture of excellence in public service, with the emphasis on human resources being most important for our country. This article aims to assist higher education institute leaders to continuously improve the leadership practice in terms of competency and commitment from whatever level it begins, regardless of conditions prevailing and resources available. Moreover, it aims to explain the challenges facing the administrators in promoting higher education in the global community as well as developing the international links with appropriate organizations and individuals

Technological Strategic Planning and Globalization Impact: Fine-Tuning Strategic Planning Methodology

Through this research, I sought to determine how technology leadership, as part of academic administration conducts strategic planning in educational technology. The focus in educational technology falls on the various tools of online interaction while the focus on strategic planning falls on SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. Under the impact of globalization, it is expected that the realm of external data necessary for SWOT analysis must shift from within national boundaries to international data gathering, thus providing a realistic assessment and enabling feasible strategic planning in a global economy. The need for revision was based on a review of literature about strategic planning of education and technology in the United States and Europe, as well as research on globalization, education, and change. An instrument, in Bulgarian and English, was distributed to students and faculty members from educational institutions in the United States and Bulgaria. Bulgaria was selected due to the following factors : the researcher is fluent in the language and has the local network, which facilitated and accelerated data gathering. More importantly, Bulgaria cannot be considered a part of the Western hemisphere and, thus, the homogeny of language and economy was avoided. On the other hand, Bulgaria does not fall in the category of developing countries lacking infrastructure or poorly developed educational system, which presented a feasible opportunity for meaningful comparison. A comparison of external data for SWOT analysis from a Midwestern University in the U.S. is compared with other American universities and with Bulgarian universities. Statistical data shows differences in the comparison of the Midwest University with the other and American universities and the Midwest University with the Bulgarian universities. The statistical findings suggest that collecting globally external data for SWOT analysis might benefit strategic planning and technological change in higher education

Integrating ICT in Kenyan secondary schools: an exploratory case study of a professional development program

This study explores the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Kenyan secondary schools. Specifically, it is a case study of four schools with no previous access to ICT. The professional development program from which data for this study were drawn was designed to support teachers learning to integrate ICT in the curriculum. Using a mixed method research approach, we collected data from multiple sources and triangulated the views of various stakeholders: questionnaires with teachers, focus groups with teachers, school leaders and ICT coordinators, field observations and document analysis. While the broader program focused on the use of ICT, the results highlighted in this study focus on the development of the four schools with respect to 1) vision building, 2) leadership, 3) collaboration, 4) expertise, and 5) access to adequate resources. The discussion centers on the challenges and opportunities inherent in understanding how to prepare schools in developing countries to integrate ICT in education

Using the Asian Knowledge Model “APO” as a Determinant for Performance Excellence in Universities- Empirical Study at Al -Azhar University- Gaza

This study aims to use the Asian knowledge model “APO” as a determinant for performance excellence in universities and identifying the most effecting factors on it. This study was applied on Al-Azhar University in Gaza strip. The result of the study showed that (APO) model is valid as a measure and there are four dimensions in the model affecting significantly more than the others (university processes, KM leadership, personnel, KM outputs). Furthermore, performance excellence produced though modernizing the means of education, curriculum development, technology and flexibility in the organizational structure. The study recommends expanding the usage of (APO) model, enhancing the role of knowledge leadership, technology, organizational flexibility, sharing culture and incentive systems that encouraging innovation

Pacific leaders in open, online and distance learning

The Pacific is a vast region, with a diverse range of cultures and stretched geographical lands, which covers large territories and long distances. Open, online and distance learning (ODL) has always played a key role in providing access to education to remote and rural students and disadvantaged groups. In fact, it could be argued that without ODL, the levels of educational attainment in these regions would be much lower. However, there is work to be done, as some countries in the region still have infrastructure problems, such as Internet connectivity and availability, which directly impact access to online and distance learning. In this piece about Pacific leaders in ODL, I noticed that despite the fact that many leaders have or have had a formal professional base at their institutions, many have worked across different nations and in collaboration with several national and international organisations. Also, initially, ODL leaders were predominantly male, but it did not take long for their female counterparts to join in and be recognised. Encouraged by this journal's editorial board, I made sure that the ODL female leaders are well represented in this piece. This manuscript is divided in three sections; Australia, New Zealand and some small islands of the Pacific region. This is by no means an exhaustive list of ODL leaders in the region, but one that recognises the contributions of earlier theorists and some more current researchers and practitioners. Finally, it is also important to highlight that the large majority of the leaders recognised here are renowned academics, researchers, practitioners and leaders due to their success, leadership and contributions to ODL. Therefore, most of them have published extensively, been invited to present at conferences and other national and international events, and have worked as consultants for key ODL organisations and their partners, some during the course of their employment and/or after retiring. Their career and academic successes are very important, but here I would like to focus on some of their key contributions to ODL in the Pacific region.</p

A Case for an Online Educational Administrator Practicum Experience

The principal and superintendent practicum experiences have traditionally been entirely face-to-face (f2f) between university professors, interns and site mentors – typically a campus or district administrator (Figure 1). Advancements in technology combined with the exponential growth of online graduate programs give rise to additional incorporation of technology into the practicum experience

Thinking and acting both locally and globally: new issues for school development planning

No abstract available

Managing projects for change: Contextualised project management

This paper will detail three projects which focussed on enhancing online learning at a large Australian distance education University within a School of Business,School of Health and School of Education. Each project had special funding and took quite distinctive project management approaches, which reflect the desire to embed innovation and ownership at the instructor and student interface. By responding to the stakeholder requirements these three projects provide insight into a) how integrated professional development serves to enable change in practice; b) why leadership at both junior and senior levels of the organisation is an important driver to support instructor engagement for real change; c) what role external private contractors can play; and, d) how instructors were integrated through the varied project management approaches. The integrating theme of the paper is instructor engagement for real change. Each project will be detailed as mini-cases and key lessons drawn out that describe and explain the challenges, opportunities and scope of varied project management approaches to suit the distinct four contexts. This paper builds on and brings together considerable investigation into how we can support and enhance dissemination of a variety of project-based models that respond to contextual needs and issues. The multiple school case study methodology serves to provide an approach that is both robust and cognisant of current trends in increased university investment through shortterm project funding. The final recommendations will highlight how different approaches to project management are both desirable and essential for successfully embedding change of instructor practices for enhancing student learning in distance education modes

IMSA360: April 2008

Message From the President As a long-time educator in Illinois, I have admired IMSA’s role as an international leader in developing talent and leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). I am honored and privileged to now serve as IMSA’s second president. This first year, I have been meeting with educational leaders and policy makers across Illinois as well as IMSA students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and donors to solicit ideas and determine our critical needs. From these conversations, I am convinced that IMSA’s service to students, teachers and schools is more relevant and important than ever. The challenges we face in the 21st century will need to be addressed by the talents and contributions of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Working as real partners in dynamic networks, we can and must ensure that Illinois students have accomplished teachers, supportive mentors and resources to support effective STEM education. Excerpt: From the President of IMS

Becta Review 2005. Evidence on the progress of ICT in education.

Drawing on Becta national surveys of ICT use and implementation within the education system, the Becta Review identified the ways in which ICT could be used to support the DfES 5 year strategy, to introduce greater efficiencies in educational provision and more choice/personalisation of content and delivery