Defining Technology Use Planning
After reading through many definitions of technology use planning, I decided to combine what I thought best. Dr. Larry S. Anderson, Founder/Director
National Center for Technology Planning states, “Technology planning is a comprehensive activity, centered on a robust process, that is, indeed, much more than computers. We must focus upon the plan, the planning, and the potential.”
I loved the plan, the planning and the potential part of what he said. He went on to say that this definition is a noun and a verb. Most define it too narrowly.
It should be planning document that is to be considered a “working” document: one that is always under construction as new information is presented and new developments occur. This plan should be about people not just hardware. As planning occurs we need to seek evidence of progress. This evidence won’t be found in standardized testing, either. An iPad or Chromebook will not make our test scores higher. Dr. Larry S. Anderson in Technology planning: It’s more than computers, states:
“Planners must commit themselves to shed any defensive feelings they
might have, or be threatened to adopt, as they examine their particular situation.
True, sustainable growth comes from facing the honest reality of a condition,
then working together to build a strategy for guaranteed success.”
Among other things, a technology use plan should address the following: Measurable goals and objectives behind purchasing and implementation. We can’t just want the latest and greatest if it doesn’t fit our needs. We need a vision and philosophy behind technology use in the district, where are we going and how do we get there.
Setting aside budget for implementation of technology is important because the application is very important and can’t be forgotten. Student and teacher uses for the technology and policies mapped out for those uses and expectations is a must. Equipment to be purchasing and maintenance along with a sustained budget for upkeep and upgrades for infrastructures and devices should be stated. Professional development for teachers to integrate new technologies and feel comfortable incorporating those within their classroom is one of the most important when planning for technology.
Effectiveness of the NETP 2010 as a Resource
The National Education Technology Plan 2010 can be a powerful resource to when designing and writing a technology use plan. The NETP 2010 provides a foundation about the kinds of outputs that should be expected of students and educators. It also gives clear guidance as to the kinds of infrastructure required to implement 21st Century technologies. Another influential aspect of the NETP is the process that the writers utilized when brainstorming and drafting the report. This collaboration piece could serve as a powerful model for any district or school that is working on their plan. It is imperative that schools don’t wait for others to take action. They must be proactive in designing and implementing a technology use plan.
John See’s Article Response
In Developing Effective Technology Plans, author John See states his belief that technology plans are more effective when written for shorter periods of time. His belief is that technology advances too fast to try to draw up five-year plans. His idea is that a one year plan is best. Well, I do agree that with the changes in technology and integration within a classroom is constantly changing, I think that in composing the plan, one could include the aspects of short and long term goals. No one plans to fail, but many fail to plan. Therefore, in having five year goals in mind can give the staff or district direction in which to move forward. However, the details and changes that occur within a school should be flexible enough that change occurs in the plan and is even expected.
I believe successful technology plans include a balance between student applications and technological advances. I worry that if application is the only concern then schools might hesitate in purchasing new devices or allowing a “BYOD” policy by saying they are able to work without the new adoptions. This could leave students behind in terms of their competency for using new technologies. With the newest standards written and adopted by our state, we will be required to test all students on computers for any standardized test given. We need to make sure applications are in place as well as hardware for this to happen.
My Own Personal Experience involved in Tech Use Planning
I have currently served on Tarver’s Technology Team for the past five years. During the first year, we did have a technology plan that was a five year plan. I do remember it. This plan was very much about inventory of computer and what we needed for replacements. It was definitely not a plan of application. Even though the past four years we haven’t had a plan, we have been using more of a one year plan and taking inventory of what teachers need when it comes to devices, training and knowledge. However, we have made some mistakes because of this. We bought 20 Aver Pens that no one ever used. The training that the company provided was mediocre at best. The staff didn’t see the value of that purchase. But, we learn from our mistakes. This past year, we have put together a very good technology plan for our staff. We have kept in mind many factors so that we can provide technology leadership for our district. This plan isn’t written down, it’s just ideas pulled together. After this study, I will be able to stress the importance of a plan and the key components to make it successful.
Dr. Sanders and John F Perry Jr. make an important and vital point in their writing Technology Planning: Recipe for Success. They bring up the point that there needs to be a progress report as to the success, or lack of success, in regards to the implementation of the technology use plan. Too often schools will adopt a program or educational tool with little follow up as to how it is working. They state, “If we are going to allocate hundreds of planning hours and thousands of dollars in an attempt to modernize education, then we must be willing to report successes and failures throughout the process.” Being honest and evaluating applications and roll outs, can be very powerful in making sure everyone is doing their part in the “plan”. It also allows for direction and next steps for the staff in regards to training, implementation, applications and devices. I think the reflection piece is an extremely valuable one, that my staff should find time to do.
Bibliography
Anderson, L. S., (1999). Technology planning: It’s more than computers. Retrieved from
Anderson, L. S., & Perry, J. (1994). Technology planning: Recipe for success. Retrieved
See, J. (1992). Developing effective technology plans. The Computer Teacher, 19(8)
National Education Technology Plan 2010. (2010).Transforming American education:
earning powered by technology.Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education,
Office of Educational Technology.
http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010-execsumm.pdf
