I always thought that when a school or school district revamped the technology system either the whole system was redone or just a part that was not working. I never realized how many options were out there. Interventions focused on process or product, whole system or partial system, and just having to make the decision about what the school needs. No wonder changing technology is such a long and slow process. And when that amount of money is being spent no one wants to make the wrong choice.
There are many more people that should be involved than I had ever realized. At our school if technology needs to be changed it get done over the summer and when we come back for professional development in the fall the improvements are complete and we receive any additional training or explanation for the new year. Chapter 21 opened my eyes to how involved a teacher can and should be when transforming a school districts technology system. Otherwise it can be hard to get exited and support a system you did not give input about or did not help make successful.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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4 comments:
Hi Lindsay,
I agree with you on your statement that educators should be involved involved in decisions regarding the transformation of the school system, as you know first hand the needs and desire of the students. Is this currently occurring in your school? If not, is it possible for you to get involved in any committees?
Thank you,
Mary Fuelling
This is a part of my role at WMU to integrate technology into classrooms. You are correct that the instructors/teachers need to be involved in the process. Don't feel like you are alone in not being included. Many projects are designed, funded, and implemented without the input of those who are to use the technology. No wonder there are so many failures in implementing technology. I have used a process similar to ADDIE (Assessment, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) for a number of years. I like the ADDIE acronym, because it helps to define the process that should be followed for success. The first step should be assessment of ALL stakeholders.
Lindsay,
One of the biggest complaints from our teaching staff is that they are not included when our district upgrades or changes our technology. Many times they just need to know that some of their ideas were taken into consideration before everything is purchased and installed. I agree with Mary that educators should be involved with the process because they work directly with the students. Creating a committee for technology is another great idea. Hopefully if those same teachers feel so strongly about technology, then they would volunteer for that committee.
Lindsay,
How true your statement is about the lack of excitement on the part of the staff if they were not part of the development/implementation. I think this is where the "piecemeal" part comes in. The more people that take an active part in the process, the higher the level of success there should be, (or at least acceptance!)
Thank you for the insight! Eva
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