Your principal has drafted you to create a school based technology plan. You are both enthused and scared at this prospect. Where do I start? Do we get iPods for all the students? Perhaps we should purchase netbooks. I hear they are really cheap. Then again… I hear they are kind of flimsy and the keyboard is too small. Wait a minute… How are we paying for this?
With this in mind, I share with you “The 10 Zens of Technology Planning”
1. Establish a committee with stakeholders of varying interests- Make sure to include a Special Education teacher, ELL teacher, Math teacher, Science teacher, an administrator, as well as staff members from other subjects and interests.
2. Conduct a Hardware and Instructional Needs Inventory- The Hardware Inventory should catalog the age, functionality, and condition of the technology equipment. The Instructional Needs Inventory will help the school determine what instructional focus the computer hardware will be used for.
3. Developing a Long Term Plan- Ask your committee the following; “In 5 years what 3 technological milestones do we wish to achieve?”
4. Developing a Short Term Goal- Ask your committee the following; “In 5 months what one goal do we wish to accomplish?”
5. Develop Activities to Achieve the Short Term Goal- Once the committee agrees on a short term goal, it becomes important to create a mini timeline of what activities must be carried out to fulfill the short term goal.
6. Grants- Grants are often a major funding source to help schools acquire and update technology with in a school. With this in mind, schools should aggressively seek grant opportunities. This includes funds available from local politicians, private foundations, donations, and public grants. In many cases, simply writing a letter and making a few phone calls can help a school net a grant or donation. For example, a company purchases new computers and may wish to donate their old computers as it helps them avoid potential recycling costs and can be used as a tax write off. Similarly, a local politician is running for reelection and might have funds to help a local school. Likewise, a philanthropist creates a grant opportunity offering free computers to promote his/her cause. In each of these scenarios the school that proactively seeks these opportunities is far more likely to benefit from one or all of these opportunities.
7. Repair and Repurpose Technology- All too often schools are ready to throw out equipment that appears to be older. This is a shame as older computers can often be nursed back to health by re-imaging the machine. Additionally, older machines can be used as dedicated writing and research centers where as newer machines could handle photo and video editing applications which tend to be more taxing. If a machine is beyond repair, cannibalize it and use it for spare parts. Not only is it environmentally sound, it also teaches students a valuable lesson about computer repair.
8. Be Wary of Purchasing the Newest Technology Toy- New products typically are ridden with hardware problems, have a limited number of applications, and are cost prohibitive. For example, in 2007 the iPhone cost 500 dollars, was buggy, and had very limited features. Three years and several upgrades later the same device costs only 100 dollars and has approximately 200,000 applications that can be used. One may also recall that a number of school systems purchased the 1st generation tablet based laptops, which proved to be costly, underpowered, and buggy.
9. Research Software Solutions- As we all know there is no shortage of vendors trying to sell their wares. The best way to determine the effectiveness of a program is to test the software. Fortunately, acquiring trial versions of the software is fairly easy to do as reputable companies will usually offer white papers documenting the effectiveness of their product and will offer a 3o day trial version of their software.
10. Avoid Drive By Professional Development- All too often; schools will conduct one-session of professional development. This is a recipe for failure, as multiple sessions are needed to see a cohesive improvement. Additionally, follow up workshops are critical. It is also important to offer a menu of workshops as adults learning how to use technology have very different needs
233 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 233 of 233I'm curious as to how many schools actually refurbish or use old computers and what rules govern when and who can do this? I know that my school could reuse many of its old computers by simply installing Xubuntu (or any other linux os) on them
Thank you for sharing! The 10 Zens of Technology Planning touch upon the important consideration of ensuring the hardware remains current. Establishing both long and short term goals provides clear focus to where the district is going, however, my concern with long term goals is that the technology can be outdated very quickly. How do you follow through with long term goals when the rate of change in technology is so rapid?
This is a very informative and helpful post. The "10 zens" are great ideas on how to create a school based technology plan. Although each idea is widely important, I believe setting a short term and long term goal is significant. Identifying your short and long term goal will allow you to better allocate for the technology plan.
After reading this article I think its a great idea to include a committee meeting into technology planning. I feel that all 10 aspects are important and make a great statement on how to get started with a technology planning. I'm strongly agree with number 1-8.
Antonina Nefedov
EDSN 650
I agree with these ten rules. I think it is important for each subject to have its own voice, so every type of teacher needs to be included. There also needs to be multiple opportunities for teachers to learn about new tech so they always know the newest information.
Reading this article made me realize how important the planning and knowing your goals for introducing a new technology in the school. It was also helpful to find information about grands and the ways to reduce the cost of implementing this new technology. Overall this article is very informative and right on point.
Edward Giordano,
I do think over time all students will be equipped with laptops or i-pads. Notebooks and textbooks will not exists and everything will be done by technology. I do agree, for this to happen everyone needs to be on board and goals should put into place. As most professional developments are brutal, multiple technology PD'S should be given, even just to refresh our memories. In the other hand, I think it will be hard to come up with the funding to cover all individuals in a school. Also, What happens if the WiFi is down in the building? Where do we go from there. The 10 Zens of Technology planning was useful.
EDSN 650
Kyle Noto
3/6/2018
The 10 Zens of Technology Planning are great ways to build on the tech department in your school. All of this is not done overnight, and if rushed their can be many unhappy faces. What is very important is how the team works together to contribute. A really neat idea was re-imaging old computers and giving them a new educational purpose for students, and with the creative ideas teachers can bounce off one another show great team building.
The ten zens technology gives us information on what to do develop a school based technology plan. School leaders and teachers must be able to collaborate with parents,stakeholders and the community at large to share their vision,and seek community support to plan programs that are support of their children reaching their potentials and achieving their academic goals.
One of the most taxing and exhaustive initiatives in the school building is to acquire funding fro resources, especially when those resources happen to involve technology. These 10 Zen steps of acquiring new technology is not only sound and plausible, but also intuitive as it helps individual schools to build goals and the foundation work for creating a successful and productive plan. With the rise of technology in instruction and the breakneck speed of innovation, technology must be made accessible to students, so that they can learn in the future and how they have been nurtured to do so.
One of the ideas that stuck out to me the most was this idea of cannibalizing computers. Not only does it reduce technological waste, but it provides kids with a deeper and more intimate look at the way tech works and best of all how to modify and fix technology. This idea truly inspire students to unlock their engineering intellect. All in all, a helpful and positive take on technology in the classroom.
After reading this article, I would have to say that I agree with the ten zens to implementing a technology plan. The best way to implement a technology plan is to have as much input from teachers as possible. Teachers know the best ways to get their students to benefit from technological resources. However, it is important to have a consensus for teachers to agree on so that the technology could benefit everyone. A technological tool that works for an ELA teacher may not work for a science teacher. Therefore, the best way to implement a technological program is through the use of teachers in the school.
If I were asked to create a technology plan for my school I would simply have no idea where to begin. Most importantly to me, would be making sure somebody from each department had some say in the decisions made. It is important to address the needs of as many people as you can. Also of great importance is to make sure you choose the right type of technology both in terms of price and functionality.
Christopher Guardino
Although technology has been a hot topic of conversation for implementation into schools and curriculum's for some time now, it is important to have guidance, support and training to ensure that adopting new technologies is actually effective. I think this article is very insightful regarding some of the pitfalls of adopting technology prematurely.
Costas Benis
The "10 Zens" of Tech planning feel like they are very useful tips of planning. The hardest step in my opinion is the first step. You need to establish a good team to work with you on your goal. Once you find the proper team you can work together in establishing short and long term goals. Next, funding plays an important part. A great idea can needs some proper nutrition in order to flourish, and that would be the funding. Without the funding and merchandise, the idea can never get fully off the ground. Naturally, there may be some budget issues, so revamping some old machinery wouldnt be the worst thing in the world especially if it works.
Overall, I thought this was a very good article.
J. Pucci_Spring 17
The 10 Zens of Technology Planning is very useful. I agree that it is important to have a committee of teachers and representatives when planning something like this because everyone can contribute different aspects of knowledge on technology. I agree wholeheartedly with the last zen "Avoid Drive By Professional Development" as I have seen this happen in my current school. They gave us new technological products, gave us a one hour professional development and sent us on our merry way as if that was enough to get us to learn the product. We had to sort of teach ourselves on how to use it which wasted a lot of time.
I feel that each zen mentioned in the article is very important. When starting any team there must be a balance. I agree that there were different types of teachers on board. This will help with getting information from a different point of views. In addition, having short-term goals and making a timeline so that everyone is able to see what they are working towards. Many times people feel that new is better, however, as the article stated, do not be so quick to jump on new programs and throw out old computers. They can be used in the future and updated. It is important to approach technology planning wisely and with the understanding that the technology world is always changing. There is always something new, faster and easier way to do it. Therefore, the 10 zen set a tone and help you see what to expect when planning in the world of technology.
-Yokasta 650
I am not the most computer savvy person out there so this article was very helpful. It made me wonder if my sons school does this as well and plans ahead of time when it comes to technology. A lot of points here will be very helpful to teachers who read it and are asked to implement technology to their own classrooms. The ten zens of technology really encourages educators and administrators in schools to repair and re-purpose old technology. What better way to teach students about the importance of recycling than doing it themselves with the technology in their own classrooms? I also believe that schools who want their staff to implement technology planning need to be given some sort of training such as professional development. I teach 3 and 4 year olds so I don't think I would need technology planning just yet, but one day I would like to teach older kids and this article had great points that i would be able to use. All in all, this article is written with very clear steps about technology planning that all educators can benefit from.
It is important to have a diverse group of teachers involved in the planning. This helps to make the program more accessible to all students.
Reading through the ten zens of technology, I couldn't agree more with the planning and amount of work it takes to implement a curriculum such as technology into effect. Technology is a very tough thing that not everyone is familiar with so creating a team to create the curriculum seems to be the better choice. Involving teachers from different subject areas is important because not only will they learn about technology but also learn how to incorporate it into their lesson plans for the children. And as a teacher, professional development days are important, and having one day a month is honestly not enough. Especially when it comes to technology, maybe twice a month teachers should have a PDD and share their experiences and have a chance to ask questions because it is a very tough subject area to fully understand when you don't work with technology per say.
I found this article to be very interesting because it made me think of the technology plan at my school. I don't even know if we have one! So the last point, "avoid drive-by professional development" really spoke to me. I know that our school has Smart Boards, Promethium boards, and chrome books available for teachers and students but I am not even sure if we have a set plan or if the administrators even talk about the goals we need to accomplish in terms of technology use for our students. And as a teacher who asks the students to interact with the technology regularly, I feel as if I should be aware of this goal, as should all of the teachers who use technology with students often.
In reading the article the first thing that strikes, me is that even if the article is written in previous years it is spot on even today. The 10 steps are very practical simple and to the point, and have the capability to be very functional. The idea to set up two different goals is very motivating because setting up just a long term goal seems to distant and can be discouraging when progress is slow to be realized. The short term goal can help to keep you focus and motivated. I also agree that involving a teacher from each of the different classes is very important because each of the teachers will be using the computer and its various programs in a different way. Therefore each of them should be allowed a voice and the ability to be an active participant in the planning process. I do find the information on grants extremely beneficial because the information is laid straight out for you to gain all the resources that you require. Any and all help that you can get for a school can be helpful the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" can certainly apply here. In a graphic design office older model computers may not be performant enough for them to be used effectively and it may be easier and cheaper for them to replace them and get new ones than to try to upgrade them for their needs, but in a school setting the computers may be excellent for a students needs and level. Lastly I agree with the plan that there should be more done as far as training for staff on technology once is certainly not enough it must be ongoing in order to be effective.
Michaela Tusinean
Sunday afternoon session
November 4 2018
Informative article! Too many times schools do not develop a long term plan for technology. Administrators and staff jump to the latest craze that sometimes is not a good option for the long haul. It is extremely important to include a diverse group of staff and students to examine and determine if the technology is a good fit to increase learning and educational opportunities for all. (BRODERSEN-650)
Technology is ever changing and seemingly widening its scope to many areas. In education, I think this is a great endeavor but definitely one that must be approached with strategy and planning.
The undertaking of planning the technology for your school or even department must be "handled with care." We have to ensure that the approach is guided and goal oriented. The idea of a 10 step plan is a glorious "jumping board," of sorts that can keep a committee or even a individual focused on what they or their administrator wants accomplished.
I know that I would immediately recruit others because I have limited knowledge of where I'd actually start.
There is so much to be considered that the committee could easily develop into sub committees, especially for the funding aspect and usefulness of outdated machines. I even think that the students could become involved in the process
Two of the points that really stuck with me were: 6. Grants and 10. Avoid Drive By Professional Development. I subbed at several schools last year and I could really notice the difference in how funds were being used for technology. The middle school in Brooklyn that I subbed at, actively searched for grants and donation opportunities. The school benefited from having updated technology in the classrooms. I also agree with the article that teachers need more than one session of professional development.
Jennifer Marin
00/4/18
1:15pm
The point that hit home with me was #10. With election day around the corner I wonder what drive by professional development is in store for me. Each year it seems like they struggle to come up with something for us to do, while some of these trainings seem helpful they really should make them longer or perhaps follow-up with a second one. They seem to be the same trainings year after year. I think we would all benefit more from having a variety of trainings to pick from. LRivera-EDSN 650
If my school principal school asks me to crate a school based technology plan, before reading this article, I would deferentially have no idea how to do it. These 10 zens of technology planning are very useful and practical to guide people how to build it and start it with details and concerns. Great tips and ideas to consider before bring in technology to school and classroom. I really like the idea that create a committee include all teachers from different subjects, everyone can share their ideas and what they need to enrich their lessons to students. And long term and short term goal are also important to maintain the quality and make sure what are school and teachers going to achieve. Grands is the most challenge I think, but it gives out a good way to help school to get the bulk of money to pay for the new technology.
Ting Ting Yen
The thing that resonated the most with me was the fact that technology seems to be discarded when it has less functionality.
Technology can be reused for new tasks, such as using an older computer for typing practice, or word processing instead of the internet and media heavy uses that lend themselves to newer machines.
The lack of professional development is a major contributing factor to reduced success in implementing and using technology in the classroom. I have been to technology PDs myself, and have found most of them to not dive deep enough into the material they are presenting. It as almost as if these PDs are aimed at the basic user, and since they never follow up with the training, they never have an opportunity to train to more advanced levels.
In regards to this reading, Looking Beyond and Other Musing, I totally agree with the 10 zens of technology planning. I Feel like this a great way to introduce, guide, help and maintain technology programs throughout schools. The 10 zens are sort of like a goals/ checklists put in place to have a technology program. This information to me would be useful to most schools.
I think that technology is very important in schools. The article, "The 10 Zens of Technology Planning" can help administrators when they are trying to determine the best way to either buy or use new technology in the school. The article includes that teachers of several different subject areas should be involved in the initial meeting to discuss the technology plan. This can be very useful long term. The different subject area teacher are the ones using technology with the students in the classroom. They can help administrators determine the best types of technology for their students and what would be most beneficial.
Angelique Ramsing
Since I am currently teaching a pre-K class, there is not a lot of chances for us to use technology let alone creating a technology plan. However, after reading the article, I see the importance of creating one including short term & long term plans. I also agree that we should always test the software before purchasing one. When I did my practicum at one of the public school in Delaware, the school purchased an educational software for the ESL class. However, since they did not do enough research about this software, it turn out to be too simple and not attractive enough for upper grade students. In addition, other than spending money on purchasing expensive software, there are also a lot of helpful and effective websites that we can use in creating a technology plan.
Yicong Teng
EDSN 650
With technology o the rise schools are depending m,ore and more on technology as away to teaching children. it is important to teachers to constantly have training because new software and technology is always on the raise. I agree with the article the writer gives good ways on using older equipment instead of disregarding for newer and unreliable equipment. Also the author made a good point about having a person of each department be part of the team so that each aspect of learning can be covered using the technology.
Leba Toussaint
650
The 10 Zens of technology planning is a fundamental way of developing a technology program for schools. The importance of having different disciplines of profession to create the program make it very helpful. I do agree that it is important for schools to repair and repurpose technology. This helps with keeping the cost down on new technology that often times, are not as useful as one my think.
JB
Sunday class 650
The 10 zen of technology planning is a great way to start.This article was giving me a clear idea where to start to plan and what to look for. According to the article, I think Developing a short term goal is important to baseline for creating the goal for each student's need and have the Grant to support the technology plan would be first step to look at. What I really like from the 10 zens was that Repair and Repurpose Technology. I think it is really important as an educator to teach how much we can help the environment by reparing and reuse older machines and teach students to be able to think about reuse, recreate, or rebuild from older ones.
Hyunsook Chung
EDSN 650
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