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Technology today is changing rapidly. Schools are constantly working to keep up with the updates in technology and new releases. Effective technology planning is not as simple as purchasing newer devices; it's about aligning the tools and resources with educational goals to enhance student outcomes and assist with academic progress.
Importance of Technology Planning
Technology is transforming the way we teach and the how students learn. We now have the resources to facilitate virtual classrooms and dive into data. Technology provides many opportunities to bring the outside world into the classroom. Even though technology can enhance how we teach and learn, it comes with risks as well. It is important to research all devices and platforms that will be utilized to ensure student and staff safety. "Technology plans go beyond devices and network connections to consider the overall vision of where the organization is trying to go, and ideas of what resources will be needed to get there, and a plan for what will happen when these resources are in place" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 182).
When schools do not have a plan in place will have issues with device reliability, wifi bandwidth, and wasting funds and resources (Essential Conditions for Effective Tech Use in Schools, 2023). Plans should be in place that outline school policies and partnerships with companies used within the school district (Essential Conditions for Effective Tech Use in Schools, 2023).
How to Plan Effective Technology
When planning for new or existing technology, a team should be in place to analyze current technology and their capabilities. The technology committee should evaluate the existing technology to determine if their are issues with hardware, software, or the internet. There should be questioning about if the existing technology is substantial or if newer devices are needed to achieve technology goals.
Once the planning team has evaluated the current needs, then they should set clear goals to determine what the school wants to achieve with technology. Some of these goals should include digital literacy, digital citizenship, increasing student involvement, and classroom implementation.
Budget
The technology committee plays a crucial role in budgeting for technology. Frazier and Hearrington (2024) state, " One of the first steps in the budgeting process is data collection and needs assessment" (p. 185). The committee must work together and relay information to the technology coordinator to identify technology needs and upgrades. Once the needs have been assessed, then the coordinator can create a budget for the district. The budget would them be submitted to the Board of Education for review, bid, and approval.
Purchase
After the budget has been approved, school districts will work on a bid. If your district is in the state of Alabama, then schools may go through Alabama K-12 Joint Purchasing process. The ALJP eliminates the need for bid approvals through the board of education. The "ALJP leverages collective purchasing power to secure competitive pricing and reduce procurement complexity" (Alabama Joint Purchasing Program (ALJP- Danmark Technologies, n.d.)
Professional Development
The last step in technology planning is professional development. In order for teachers to effectively use new or existing technology in the classroom, they must be properly trained. Teachers need to know how to properly use the technology available not just for emails and websites.
References
Alabama Joint Purchasing Program (ALJP) - Danmark Technologies. (n.d.). Danmark Technologies.
https://danmarktech.com/aljp/#:~:text=Streamlined%20Procurement:%20Benefit%20from%20ALJP's,to
%20deliver%20the%20right%20solutions.
Essential conditions for effective tech use in schools. (2023, July 26). ISTE. https://iste.org/essential-
conditions-for-effective-tech-use-in-schools
Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). Technology Coordinator’s Handbook: A Guide for Edtech
Facilitators and Leaders. International Society for Technology in Education.
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