Director - School Technology Branch at Alberta Education

What continuity do you see between some of your readings, other presentations, and this presentation?

The vision and direction of technology in the learning system is of primary importance. "Technology is not going away anytime soon"

Salience (Why is IT in education important to this person)

As a director of School Technology Branch, she is responsible for providing input on policy and policy direction for technology in the learning system.

Outcomes (What are the specific IT in education outcomes sought through your organization?)

She feels that they are at a point right now where there are three streams, Problem, Policy, and Political. There is an opportunity at times when they all converge at the same time where a solution can be found.

Processes (What processes are used to achieve these outcomes?)



Characteristics (What are some of the characteristics of IT Leaders that make them effective in achieving their goals?)



Notes from today's presentation

How do you affect Policy change and exert leadership at the provincial level?
-shifts in policy direction and milestones
-policy development is not a linear process
- Problem, Political, Policy streams end up converging at some point
- How problems are defined - frame and reframe the issue

- Policy stream – millions of ideas for solutions to the problems to the issue
- How do you couple an appropriate solution to a well defined problem?

- Political stream – think of the political players , ie school leadership, superintendent, trustees, board of education, mla’s,
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Convergence windows – sometimes the 3 streams come together that opens up a window where you can move forward. Do we have another convergence window available to us at this time.
- Inspiring Education – Minister in public dialogue about the learning system in Alberta
- Setting the direction for special education. Ie assistive technologies for students
- Minister is interested in technology,
Convergent windows close because – the players feel it’s a non issue or it’s already addressed, or the issue goes away, personnel change,

The impact of leadership is huge. This isn’t about technology but it’s still a necessary part. You have to think of this when you frame the problem and try to come up with a viable solution.
Policy entrepreneur – How do you couple a policy solution to a problem.