Research Abstract

Leadership model for integration of ICT in Science: Perceptions. Practices and Possibilities

Anthony Gioko Maina [1]
Professional Development Teacher
AKU-IED
Facilitator, Physics, ICT
Centre of Excellence Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

Abstract
Leadership has been identified to play a role in the development of innovations and its implementations in the schools. Technology has been introduced in the science curriculum and the role of leadership has been instrumental in foreseeing the level of ICT integration in science. The current status has been observed as use of ICT as additional or supplementary session to the mainstream syllabus. In some cases the use of ICT has been delegated to “ICT specialist” by the Science Subject leaders (SSL). The Middle mangers who are the departmental Heads are close to eh teachers who are expected to implement the integration. The model of leadership practiced by the SSL is evident in the practices of the teachers and successful integration will give students opportunities to undergo an experiential learning of the science concepts. This study explores the leadership practices of a SSL and developed a model for effective ICT integration in Science.
The study was a qualitative case study which was explorative and interpretative in nature. The leadership model was derived from the data obtained from field notes, interviews, and document and artifact analysis. Leadership is fluid and not identified within an individual but a responsibility hence the SSL was the focus and the people she integrated with in the projects also participated. The study observed a ten lesson (six weeks) project cycle in a private middle school in Pakistan undertaking IGCSE curriculum.
Three aspects emerged to inform on the leadership model of the SSL in integrating ICT; they were; leading manifest as leadership styles and technophile, technologic that is procession of skill and knowledge, utility level and training others and administration in shared planning, monitoring, mentoring and reviewing. I argue that the personality and technologic influenced the teachers to enhance integration
The study revealed the empowerment of a SSL builds up the leadership capacity. Furthermore the SSL skills and knowledge have a leverage to influence on the beliefs and attitudes of traditional approaches hence develop innovation. In addition collaborative practices impact on the effectiveness through networking with relevant resources. Thus SSL perceptions and roles must be attended to and not taken for granted the implications of the study include a) Empowering the SSL b) Allowing interdepartmental collaborated activities c) provision of resources. Nevertheless training and equipment require SSL leadership for integration to be enhanced.
The study was limited within one project implementation due to time factors, However many projects may have identified variety of factors.