Many planners believe their job is complete after a plan is written, but in actuality it has only begun. A written technology plan has direction and long-term technology goals. However, for each new technology introduced to an organization, there will be stages of implementation that include resource development (budget), evaluation, selection, installation, training, pilot projects, mini-implementations, and, finally, full implementation. These stages should all be reflected in a technology plan. It is also important to remember not to judge technology as ineffective when it is not implemented according to the plan (Holmes & Rawitsch, 1993). Flexibility, patience, and adaptability are essential for any kind of change process and certainly for implementing technology. The following questions should be addressed when planning the implementation of your plan:
- What is the timeline for meeting the goals of your plan?
- Who is responsible for achieving milestones on the timelines?
- What professional development strategies will you use?
- How will you provide time for ongoing staff development, including time to practice and learn new technologies?
- What is your plan for networking, acquiring hardware and software, and updating the facility?
- How will you deal with the rapid changes in technology?
- What funding is available currently?
- How will funding be provided over the life of the plan?
- How will you coordinate and leverage a variety of funding resources to support your plan?
- How will you deal with contingencies such as changes in leadership and changes in budget?
- How will you determine which program area, discipline, or staff will receive highest priorities for receiving technologies?
- Who (or what group) will be responsible for implementing the technology plan?
- What incentives and sanctions will you implement to ensure that everyone achieves a high level of technological proficiency?
- How will you ensure equity of access to technology and engaged learning experiences for all students?
- How will your instructional use of technology address district, state, and federal mandates including curriculum, special needs, minority populations, and equity issues?
- What new policies are needed to support implementation of your plan?
Contents | Evaluating the Implementation of Your Technology Plan
|
