Before Using This Tool

As of September 30, 2005, the North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium is no longer in operation.

Before Using This Tool

Regardless of a school's size or experience, two essential ingredients are necessary to make planning successful (Below, Morrisey, & Acomb, 1987). First, all administrators and instructors must understand their roles and tasks. Second, there must be an organizational commitment to both the technology plan and the technology planning process.

Therefore, before undertaking technology planning or using this tool, it is important to have the support of the institutional leaders, staff, and instructors. Some simple preplanning will encourage participation in the process and minimize later setbacks. The following set of suggested activities can help educational organizations get started with technology planning:

Decide who should be involved, what role each person will play in the planning and implementation of technology, and if a committee or advisory group should be assembled.
Preview other planning processes that the organization has completed and identify any useful insights for improving this planning process.
Review the planning processes of other schools and organizations to identify useful material that can serve as a model.
Identify a lead person or "change agent" who will organize the planning process and make sure everyone involved has adequate input.
Determine who will be responsible for writing the plan.
Determine a timeline for completing the plan.

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