Getting the most out of your IT infrastructure

From data-crunching tech to scheduling and collaboration platforms, here are some fresh ideas on how you can get the most out of your IT infrastructure

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on ICT Evangelist

School leaders juggle numerous responsibilities, from supporting staff and managing resources to monitoring student progress. Unquestionably, technology has emerged as a potent ally in aiding their efforts. In this exploration, we delve into lesser-known tools like OneNote Staff Notebook, SharePoint, and PowerBI, which consolidate leadership tasks and alleviate their workload.

Consider the case of OneNote Staff Notebook. While educators are familiar with Class Notebook for sharing learning materials, Staff Notebook offers an equally versatile platform for communication, document sharing, and best practice dissemination within the leadership team. By pooling resources, meeting outcomes, conversations, visuals, and more, school leaders foster unity and shared understanding. This cultivates consistent support and comprehensive knowledge about project statuses, successes, and areas needing attention.

Embedding OneNote Staff Notebook within the SLT Team on Microsoft Teams further enhances accessibility to resources, reducing the time spent searching. Moreover, the integration of Microsoft Forms and Teams enables leaders to conduct formative lesson observations efficiently. This tech-driven approach facilitates real-time collaboration, streamlining data collection and sharing within the leadership team.

Taking a step forward, SharePoint emerges as a dynamic tool for data management and sharing. By centralising student records and staff data, school leaders reduce manual record-keeping and benefit from insightful reports and visualisations that highlight trends and concerns.

Empowering technology to tackle data-related challenges, PowerBI stands out as a robust analytical tool. It connects with various data sources, enabling the creation of interactive dashboards that assist teachers and middle leaders in making informed decisions. This swift data-driven insight aids in identifying issues promptly and taking decisive action.

In essence, the role of a school leader is demanding, but the right technology can serve as a valuable ally. By providing immediate access to critical information and insights, technology eases the workload and fosters school improvement.