When technology and education collide practitioners and researcher alike struggle to keep up with the rapid rate of change and its potential and possibility. In my research and practice, I aim to build school capacity to embrace these new opportunities and tackle challenges equipped with global research and networks of global educational leaders. As a school-based Digital Learning Leader I lead this change through innovative school programs implementing digital technology, ubiquitous technology access, and educationally led technology systems and strategies backed by solid pedagogy with learner agency at the centre. Approaches include building a community that embraces innovation to bridge home school connections through 1:1 iPad programs and Digital Learning Journals, coaching teachers to grow their professional practice, and leading innovation and change across the school including in the new Digital Technologies curriculum. I also leverage practice and perspective through my role as an adjunct professor in the Digital Learning and Leading Master’s program and in the educational leadership Doctoral program at Lamar University. The philosophies of this innovative program require facilitating learning through creating significant learning environments and using the COVA approach where choice, ownership, voice and authentic action are nurtured.

As a new voice in educational leadership and research, my doctoral dissertation and the resulting Digital Learning Implementation Framework for Education (D-LIFE) provides a framework for school leaders to navigate the changing needs of schools in a digital age. The framework, constructed through a Delphi study of international educational leaders in 15 countries, closely aligns with ISTE Essential Conditions and provides school leaders with a framework not found in existing standards or frameworks. D-LIFE brings a highly responsive and relevant approach for planning and evaluation of digital learning in schools. I recently presented my research in a paper session at the American Educational Research Association, and look forward to an upcoming publication in the Journal of Research on Technology in Education. Further, I am working on collaboratively constructing a handbook with expert panelists for using the framework to bring together research and practice in meaningful and relevant ways both in Australia and around the world. To further research and practice, I am also a highly connected educator drawing on and contributing to global communities through social media and closed networks as well as traditional professional associations (eg., Twitter, Apple Distinguished Educator communities, Flipped Learning Global Ambassador program, and Google Certified Trainer networks). Additionally, I was recognised as the 2013 Educator or the year for the Australian Council of Computer Educators. I look forward to further shaping the rapidly changing space of technology and education in both research and practice.