Up-front Queries Ensure Correct Computer Choices.Educational leaders today are trying to do the best they can with resources that are growing ever more scarce, so school districts must make the right decisions about instructional technology There are two types of instructional technology: those with a systems approach, and those focusing on sensory technologies. The definition of instructional technology prepared by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Definitions and Terminology . Bringing in the wrong tools for learning is an expensive and unproductive lesson most school districts cannot afford. Also, educators face a growing number of technology options, and these options continue to multiply mul·ti·ply v. 1. To increase the amount, number, or degree of. 2. To breed or propagate. . By familiarizing fa·mil·iar·ize tr.v. fa·mil·iar·ized, fa·mil·iar·iz·ing, fa·mil·iar·iz·es 1. To make known, recognized, or familiar. 2. To make acquainted with. themselves with the issues involved, school leaders can help ensure their instructional technology implementation is well-received. Staff Input A first consideration should be to gain the commitment of staff and community. Teachers, curriculum planners, and even parents who are involved at the beginning in evaluating and selecting technology are much more likely to support the district's technology later. Working within wide parameters established by the superintendent, a broad-based broad-based Of or relating to an index or average that provides a good representation of the overall market. The S&P 500 and NYSE Composite are generally regarded as broad-based stock indexes, while the popular Dow Jones Industrial Average is biased committee can identify instructional needs to be fulfilled ful·fill also ful·fil tr.v. ful·filled, ful·fill·ing, ful·fills also ful·fils 1. To bring into actuality; effect: fulfilled their promises. 2. , possible roles for technology, criteria for selecting technology, and available technology and vendors After these have been priorities identified, the committee can evaluate the instructional tools that meet the district's specific needs. They should examine research literature, check references by visiting other schools, and invite vendors for interviews. Cost, service, and ongoing support are critical factors, and a good technology provider will offer a customized plan. Important Questions Before a decision is finalized See finalization. , the committee should be able to answer these questions: * How does the technology align align (  līn),v to move the teeth into their proper positions to conform to the line of occlusion. with the district's curriculum goals? Does it enhance or replace a current curriculum component? Is it compatible with current materials? * Who are the students for whom the technology is intended? Have pilot programs or off-sites evaluations proven the effectiveness of the technology? * Is the technology designed for drill and practice? Problem-solving problem-solving n → resolución f de problemas; problem-solving skills → técnicas de resolución de problemas problem-solving n → ? Word processing word processing, use of a computer program or a dedicated hardware and software package to write, edit, format, and print a document. Text is most commonly entered using a keyboard similar to a typewriter's, although handwritten input (see pen-based computer) and ? Enrichment enrichment Food industry The addition of vitamins or minerals to a food–eg, wheat, which may have been lost during processing. See White flour; Cf Whole grains. ? Remediation? Tutorials and simulations? (Each may be reason for selection.) * What is the instructional range of the technology in terms of grade and ability levels? * Does the technology allow for self-paced learning? Can customized learning paths be created for groups and individuals? Is it interactive? Monitoring Capacity Instructional management is another consideration. The tremendous record-keeping power of computers has allowed technology providers to create tools that help teachers monitor the progress of each student. Some companies have developed sophisticated management systems that make it easy to customize instruction for every student. You should ask these questions about any technology you are considering. Will the technology: * assign and deliver appropriate instruction to students? * monitor and record performance, time, and mastery? * list and manage outcomes from third-party products? * enable the teacher to group and regroup re·group v. re·grouped, re·group·ing, re·groups v.tr. To arrange in a new grouping. v.intr. 1. To come back together in a tactical formation, as after a dispersal in a retreat. individual lessons? * operate on a Local Area Network, a Wide Area Network, or a local cable system? * be accessible by modem from teachers' or students' homes? * offer a basic training component or other training packages that include multiyear options to meet your district's specific needs? * interface with the school district's current data management system, allowing data to be transferred directly to district or state information systems? * allow teachers to add test items that correlate with the district's learning outcomes and required standardized tests A standardized test is a test administered and scored in a standard manner. The tests are designed in such a way that the "questions, conditions for administering, scoring procedures, and interpretations are consistent" [1] ? * come with details from the vendor about expected results and a cost/benefit analysis? Cost Matters Finally, the selection committee should pay close attention to the financial picture: * Does the vendor provide options for purchase, including cash payment, lease/purchase, multipackage discounts, and upgrade opportunities? * Are installation costs and on-line consultation included in the basic price? * Are life-cycle costs, replacements, and enhancements identified within budget constraints A Budget Constraint represents the combinations of goods and services that a consumer can purchase given current prices and his income. Consumer theory uses the concepts of a budget constraint and a preference ordering to analyze consumer choices. ? * Have personnel costs been itemized? Personnel prioritized? Technical support added? In many school districts, the superintendent's leadership is the driving force behind technology implementation and with good reason. Technology can help districts maximize resources and get better results. When the right technology is installed for the right reasons, districts gain greater instructional flexibility and accountability. Eugene Hertzke, an instructional technology consultant with Jostens Learning, retired as superintendent of the Central Kitsap School District in Silverdale, Wash., in 1993. |
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