Introduction

In the rapidly evolving 21st century, the Strategic Use of Educational Technology is no longer an optional add-on but a fundamental pillar for transforming teaching and learning, enhancing student engagement, and preparing learners for a future driven by digital innovation. Beyond simply integrating devices, a strategic approach to educational technology involves thoughtful planning, purposeful implementation, and continuous evaluation to ensure that technology genuinely supports pedagogical goals and improves learning outcomes. It requires leaders to envision how technology can personalize learning, foster collaboration, expand access to resources, and cultivate essential digital literacy skills. Without a clear strategy, technology investments can fall short, leading to underutilized tools, fragmented learning experiences, and missed opportunities to revolutionize education. This essential training course focuses on equipping educational professionals with the expertise to master the Strategic Use of Educational Technology.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower school leaders, academic administrators, IT directors, curriculum developers, teacher leaders, and aspiring educational innovators with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to develop and implement impactful educational technology strategies within their school settings. Participants will gain a deep understanding of current ed-tech trends, explore various instructional technology models, learn how to integrate technology effectively into curriculum, and acquire skills in managing digital resources and infrastructure. The course will delve into topics such as personalized learning with AI, blended and hybrid learning models, digital citizenship and online safety, data analytics for learning improvement, fostering collaborative learning environments, professional development for technology integration, and ensuring equitable access to digital tools. By mastering the principles and methodologies of the Strategic Use of Educational Technology, participants will be prepared to lead their institutions in leveraging technology to create dynamic, engaging, and future-ready learning environments that empower every student to thrive.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• School Principals and Vice Principals
• IT Directors and Educational Technology Coordinators
• Academic Deans and Department Heads
• Curriculum Developers and Instructional Designers
• Teacher Leaders and Digital Learning Specialists
• School Board Members
• Professional Development Coordinators
• Learning Management System (LMS) Administrators
• Aspiring School Leaders
• Educational Consultants focusing on technology integration

Objectives

• Understand the current landscape and emerging trends in educational technology.
• Learn to develop a strategic vision for technology integration aligned with educational goals.
• Acquire skills in evaluating and selecting appropriate educational technology tools.
• Comprehend strategies for integrating technology effectively into curriculum and instruction.
• Explore methodologies for fostering personalized and engaging learning experiences through technology.
• Understand the importance of digital citizenship, online safety, and data privacy.
• Gain insights into managing technology infrastructure, professional development, and technical support.
• Develop a comprehensive action plan for leading the strategic use of educational technology in their institution.

Course Content

Module 1: The Transformative Power of Educational Technology

• Understanding the evolution of educational technology.
• The impact of technology on teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Benefits of strategic technology integration: engagement, personalization, accessibility, 21st-century skills.
• Key challenges and pitfalls in technology adoption.
• Envisioning a future-ready learning environment through technology.

Module 2: Developing a Strategic Vision for EdTech

• Aligning technology goals with the school's mission and strategic plan.
• Conducting a needs assessment and technology audit.
• Identifying key stakeholders and building a collaborative technology team.
• Crafting a clear, compelling vision for technology's role in the institution.
• Overcoming resistance to change and fostering a culture of innovation.

Module 3: Evaluating and Selecting Educational Technology Tools

• Criteria for evaluating ed-tech tools: pedagogical alignment, usability, security, cost-effectiveness.
• Exploring different categories of educational technology (LMS, collaboration tools, assessment platforms, AR/VR).
• Understanding open educational resources (OER) and their potential.
• Piloting new technologies and gathering user feedback.
• Making informed purchasing and implementation decisions.

Module 4: Integrating Technology into Curriculum and Instruction

• Models for technology integration (e.g., SAMR, TPACK).
• Designing technology-enhanced lesson plans and learning activities.
• Using technology to support active learning, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning.
• Strategies for differentiated instruction and meeting diverse learner needs with technology.
• Best practices for seamless integration into daily classroom practice.

Module 5: Personalized Learning and Data Analytics

• Concepts of personalized and adaptive learning.
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for tailored learning pathways and automated feedback.
• Using learning analytics to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
• Identifying learning gaps and providing targeted interventions through data.
• Ethical considerations in collecting and using student data.

Module 6: Digital Citizenship, Online Safety, and Cybersecurity

• Defining digital citizenship: responsible, ethical, and safe technology use.
• Teaching students about online safety, privacy, and cyberbullying.
• Developing school policies for acceptable use of technology.
• Understanding cybersecurity threats and implementing protective measures.
• Promoting critical media literacy and evaluating online information.

Module 7: Managing Technology Infrastructure and Support

• Planning for robust and scalable network infrastructure (internet, Wi-Fi).
• Device management strategies (e.g., 1:1 programs, BYOD).
• Ensuring technical support and troubleshooting for staff and students.
• Managing software licenses and updates.
• Budgeting for technology investments and ongoing maintenance.

Module 8: Leading Professional Development for Technology Integration

• Assessing staff technology skills and professional development needs.
• Designing and delivering effective professional learning opportunities for educators.
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and sharing best practices.
• Providing ongoing coaching and mentoring for technology use.
• Evaluating the impact of professional development on technology integration and student outcomes.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training