How to Use This Tool
Figure 1 presents the seven categories that organize the Guiding
Questions for Technology Planning, Version 1.0, tool. These categories are
not steps but areas of consideration. Each category is defined by a central
questions (e.g., What is your vision of learning?) and subdivided into several
follow-up questions. The diagram points out that five of these categories
should be undertaken against a backdrop of the context of planning as well as a
system of ongoing evaluation.
The questions in this tool may be followed in either the order presented or in
another order, or pieces of it may be pulled out and applied to the development
and/or revision of specific elements of a technology plan. The tool may be
used by an individual to get started, although we strongly encourage group
application within an organized planning process to maximize ownership of the
process.
Once you've assembled your planning team, we suggest that you begin your
planning process by reviewing three types of resources (sources for these
materials are listed in the appendices):
- Technology planning models
- Technology planning guides
- Sample technology plans
Figure 1
Creating a Visions: What is your vision of learning?
Designing for Learning: How will you use technology to support your vision of learning?
Designing the Infrastructure: How will you develop a supportive infrastructure?
Context of Planning: Do you understand the context of your technology planning process?
Garnering Public Support: How will you garner public support for your plan?
Implementing a Plan: How will you implement your plan?
Ongoing Evaluation: How will you evaluate the implementation of your technology plan?
Begin by giving one or more of these resources to each member of your to team
to review and to determine the following: How does each resource address each
set of questions? Is it relevant to your particular setting? Which ones seem
most consistent with your views on technology and learning? Have team
members come together to share their findings in a jigsaw fashion. Reviewers
should discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each reviewed resource. This
activity will help each reviewer become better informed as to the criteria,
questions addressed, and information important to consider in technology
planning. Through an engaging discussion, the planning team can then begin to
make informed and educated decisions as to what should and should not be
contained in their technology plan.
The next step is to select or design a planning process. You may choose one of
the planning models reviewed or customize your own. You will need to set
timelines, determine responsibilities, and set in motion a process that will
lead to a long-term technology plan that can be presented to your school board
or other decision-making body for approval.
Once these process decisions have been made, Guiding Questions for
Technology Planning, Version 1.0, can be used again to move the planning
process forward by helping the team develop and refine their technology plan.
The tool should naturally lead individuals involved in the process to examine
the depth of material and information the technology plan will address.
However, the most important rule of thumb in using the tool is that each
technology process or technology plan is unique. Although across schools,
districts, and regions of the country there will be similarities among
technology plans, each school or district will have its own set of exceptions,
particulars, strengths, and weaknesses. Nor is there only one way or method
for using the tool. The tool is only a starting point; the questions are
designed to guide the technology planning process.
Keeping the technology process moving forward will at times be a challenge and
may require outside assistance. Each of the six RTECs (See Appendix B) have
consultants on their staff who are trained in how to effectively use the
Guiding Questions for Technology Planning, Version 1.0, tool and in how
to conduct an effective and productive planning process. Since technical
assistance to schools, schools districts, educational organizations, and state
agencies will be crucial during the process, the RTECs can be called upon
to assist your technology planning team when technical needs arise. You
may also want to obtain technology planning support resources that are
available to help with your process.
Contents | What Is Your Vision of Learning?
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