Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times

by Eric C. Sheninger

It’s time for the next generation of leadership.

Digital leadership is a strategic mindset and set of behaviors that leverages resources to create a meaningful, transparent, and engaging school culture. It takes into account recent changes such as ubiquitous connectivity, open-source technology, mobile devices, and personalization to dramatically shift how schools have been run and structured for over a century.  Leading in education becomes exponentially powerful when using technology to your advantage.



Eric Sheninger—“Principal Twitter”—shares his Pillars of Digital Leadership to help readers

Transform school culture by initiating sustainable change
Use free social media tools to improve communication, enhance public relations, and create a positive brand presence 
Integrate digital tools into the classroom to increase student engagement and achievement
Facilitate professional learning and access new opportunities and resources

The time is now, whether you are a building level or teacher leader, to boldly move schools forward in the digital age.

Genres: Education, Leadership, Teaching, Professional Development, Nonfiction, Technology, School

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2014

About the author

Eric is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.

His work focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward. This has led to the formation of the Pillars of Digital Leadership, a framework for all educators to initiate sustainable change to transform school cultures. As a result Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best selling author, and sought after speaker. His main focus is the use of social media and web 2.0 technology as tools to facilitate student learning, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunity, transform learning spaces, and help educators grow professionally.

Eric is a Bammy Award winner (2013), NASSP Digital Principal Award winner (2012), PDK Emerging Leader Award recipient (2012), winner of Learning Forward's Excellence in Professional Practice Award (20 12), Google Certified Teacher, Adobe Education Leader, and ASCD 2011 Conference Scholar.

He has also contributed on education for the Huffington Post, co-created the Edscape Conference, sits on the FEA Board of Directors, and was named to the NSBA "20 to Watch" list in 2010 for technology leadership. TIME Magazine also identified Eric as having one of the 140 Best Twitter Feeds in 2014. He now presents and speaks nationally to assist other school leaders embrace and effectively utilize technology. His blog, A Principal's Reflections, was selected as Best School Administrator Blog in 2013 and 2011 by Edublogs.

Eric began his career in education as a Science Teacher at Watchung Hills Regional High School where he taught a variety of subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Marine Biology, Ecology) and coached several sports (ice hockey, football, lacrosse). He then transitioned into the field of educational administration as an Athletic Director/Supervisor of Physical Education & Health and Vice Principal in the New Milford School District. During his administrative career he has served as District Affirmative Action Officer and was the president of the New Milford Administrator’s Association. During his tenure as high school principal he successfully implemented numerous initiatives including a new teacher evaluation system (McREL), oversaw Common Core implementation, and initiated a new grading philosophy. Eric received his M.Ed. in Educational Administration from East Stroudsburg University, B.S. in Biology from Salisbury University, and his B.S. in Marine/Environmental Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Reviews

[Daniel Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I've read several articles on teachers leaving the education field, I pick up Digital Leadership by Eric Sheninger and have a renewed passion for preparing my students for their future. Currently at our school, we don't have wifi because "teachers are online buying things." I'm in the middle of planning how to approach our administration about how to better train our teachers and students for the real-world, and this book has been a huge encouragement and vital source of knowledge and resources on the steps to take toward a more modernized school. Sheninger touches on key topics when it comes to integrating mobile learning tools, aka technology, to the classroom as well as the administrator position. As an innovator and risk-taker, he has broken the mold and set the bar for future leadership in education. I would strongly recommend this book to any teacher or administrator.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One might consider listening to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” in the background while reading Eric Sheninger’s Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times.
Sheninger has successfully followed up his 2014 education blockbuster with a second edition that is a more than satisfactory and substantive refresh. The first chapter alone moves from simply stating now-common place information around topics such as mobile devices and connectivity to laying a foundation for using digital resources to leverage learning by introducing the reality of the impact that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will have on our children’s futures.
Sheninger includes plenty of practical advice for implementers, which is always appreciated by educators. However, he effectively balances the theoretical with the practical. The theory is important when creating a system and communicating the message. Digital Leadership goes beyond resources and instructional practices and engages the reader with ideas about how to effectively lead a digital transformation in a school or district.
His thoughts on leadership stem from his days as the principal at New Milford (NJ) High School and his current role as a Senior Fellow for the International Center for Leadership in Education. A significant change in the second edition is attributable to the work he has done in schools around the world through his work with the ICLE. Chapter Five, “Improving Student Engagement, Learning, and Outcomes,” now includes a number of references to the Rigor and Relevance Framework. The framework plots rigor on the y-axis and relevance on the x-axis. “Quad D” learning, in the upper right hand quadrant, is the highest combination of both rigor and relevance. The chart on p. 102 that provides examples of tech apps, resources, and instructional strategies to push student thinking into Quad D learning is excellent.
Another prominent second edition enhancement is the expanded discussion of how to unleash the power of social media. In addition to information on the value of establishing a Professional Learning Network, Sheninger goes into great detail on the concept of Branding, and the communications and public relations opportunities available to schools the effectively share their story with their communities.
Digital Leadership is highly recommended for all educators and could be a helpful resource to help school Boards and communities understand why schools must change.

[Holly (bibliophiles_bookstagram) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I should have read this book about ten years ago when social media was starting to take over the lives of everyone! Eric Sheninger does a good job discussing the pillars of digital leadership and the importance of it, but if you are a veteran teacher, the things discussed in this book are things you already know! However, they also served as gentle reminders that technologies should NEVER replace the most important thing; face-to-face situations amongst students and real time interactions! Nothing can ever replace this, or the importance and stress on it that we need to continue to relay to our students!!!

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technology is booming but it’s use in education has stalled. The trick is using the technology in a way that enhances learning without taking away from the end goal of education. In a day and age when knowledge is at a child’s fingertips, we must teach them to use technology responsibly with an eye to source reliability and logical connection. This book breaks down the technologies here now and many ways they can be used to enhance the education experience but also provides a glimpse into the future. It’s not just about the cost anymore, we need to focus on the value and what computer savvy students can bring to the table to own and enhance their own learning.

[Jordan Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for graduate school and rated it according to other educational texts.

I really enjoyed Sheninger's perspective on modern leadership. He provides several options to increase relevancy for students, and he lays out a solid argument for a school's need to build its brand (before someone else builds it for them).

I'm not sure what the target age demographic is for this book, but I don't think anyone needs quite so many explanations on how Twitter or Facebook work. If someone is unfamiliar with any of the social media sites referenced in this book, then I think one explanation would have sufficed!

[Heidi Robbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class. It has some great ideas about integrating technology into schools. Although I appreciated some of the ideas, it was obviously written by an administrator, not a teacher. It is also a little dated. It constantly talks about using social media, but it focuses on Twitter and Facebook, which isn't as relevant for teenagers right now.

[Mary Foxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent book for administrators who want to know what tools are available to them with the use of technology. I do feel like at times it was "Technology will fix everything!" without always acknowledging the problems that go along with it, but that might be the subject of another book. This one was more about getting administrators to buy into using technology.

[Dwight Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about digital leadership. I really like the PD piece that never goes out of style however some of the tech examples are already outdated and it was only written 3 years ago.

[Tamra L. McDougall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many wonderful ideas for digital leadership that I can use when I become an administrator and can even get started while teaching.

[Bob Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book but rated it lower because it was one that zi had to read first work school.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this amazing book on digital leadership in education. Sheninger shares his journey as an administrator through the process of rejecting and then embracing technology in the learning environment. He shares examples from not only his own school, but from educators at all levels from around the country. He outlines his Six Pillars of Digital Leadership in an enlightening and inspiring manner. Sheninger also addresses the use of technology and social media in branding and sharing the story of learning in schools with all stakeholders.

As a media specialist, I work closely with building administrators and teachers on technology integration in a meaningful and authentic way. I appreciated Sheninger's discussion of research based learning preferences and needs of students. I also commend the author on his integration and knowledge of International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) standards into his discussion of digital leadership.

My copy is marked and highlighted with notes and ideas, and I have no doubt Digital Leadership will become a cornerstone of my professional library.

[Stan Skrabut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read. I believe every educator, education administrator, and simply all leaders should read. Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times* written by Eric Sheninger thoroughly explains why educators and leaders should be directly involved in using and promoting the use of technology as a work, learning, and communication tool. Read more

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by a great leader in education who has challenged all those in education to try new ways of teaching. Eric does a great job storytelling his journey and what he did to change paradigms in education for changing times. I love a good challenge, gets me thinking in ways I normally do not. A must read for leaders, teachers and tech specialist. One of my top 5 PD books in education today! Great job Eric!

[Jennifer Dehayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in the middle of this one... If you're a tech nerd it's the way to go... I also follow Eric on Twitter and participated in a chat that he ran. He is informative and very tech savvy. It's a good way to learn about how education and technology jive together... But is can be a little overwhelming!

[Katie Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for educational leaders looking to implement technology into their daily routine. Sheninger provides anecdotes and examples of how many school leaders began leading by example with technology. Great read for any school leader-especially those who may be hesitant to start using technology.

[Tia Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I while I was familiar with many of the strategies presented, it was interesting reading about it through the stories if so many educational leaders I follow and look up yo on Social Media. This is a good book especially those who have not engaged in digital leadership. Even those who have been involved in digital leadership would get a lit out of this book. Enjoy!

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very inspiring! Had to read this for grad school (library and information studies), and Sheninger convinced me that I could become a leader in my school district. He aims to motivate his readers to lead school districts into the digital age by providing inspiring examples and how-to instructions. Good luck!

[Michael Marcela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a requirement for work. It is very good. I was impressed with the author's dedication to student led learning and how digital tools are a way to enhance and build upon independent learning by students. He makes a point of how educational leaders need to step up our game and model appropriate and beneficial use of digital tools in our schools and classrooms. Good book.

[Brad Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital Leadership by Eric Sheninger is a tremendous resource for current and emerging school leaders. The ideas and resources shared can easily be infused to improve the digital culture within a school or district.

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for program administrators who want to remain relevant in terms of technology adoption and integration. The later chapters become a bit redundant, but overall Digital Leadership would be a valuable addition to any educational leaders' bookshelf.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great PD book for educators, especially administrators or tech coaches, to read before the upcoming school year. It's full of practical tips on why and how to encourage educators to become users of edtech in and out of their classroom.

[Angelina Moehlmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to support the digital leader.

[Mleander23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any lead learner/principal.even if you are all ready on the journey lots of great ideas to involve stakeholders.

[Brian McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being a resource to me for more than a year, I finally read DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP cover to cover. Concise, accessible and full of great strategies for leaders. Thanks Eric!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

[Julie Aquilina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reaffirming vision of technology's place in education. Wish there had been more

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the real life examples of schools that are incorporating technology into their school culture.