Now that you've got it, what do you do with it?

The Deployment of Technology Initiatives

At times we've discussed how lucky we are to have some new technology brought into our schools, only to have it sit in the corner and collect dust because no one is trained on how to use this technology.  Money is being spent everywhere to purchase technology but very little is being spent to show teachers how to use it.  I spent some time over the last few days looking at two technology deployment strategies that share plans for how to successfully implement technology into schools, from the idea stage to deployment.  The two plans I looked at are Deploying ICTs in Schools: A framework for identifying and assessing technology options, theirbenefits, feasibility and total cost of ownership and Tablets in the Classroom A Practical Guide to Planning and Deploying Large-Scale Tablet Initiatives.  In looking at these two plans I saw some successful elements of planning and deployment that caught my attention.
 

Deploying ICTs in Schools 

In Deploying ICTs in Schools we learn about a variety of different possible technology initiatives, including the benefits and deployment options for each of them.  This report looks at the use of mobile devices in classrooms by teachers and students versus the use of devices in computer labs.  Through the discussion we learn that evidence suggest that devices used directly in the classroom positively affect learning more.  This helps support our school's 1:1 initiative.  The concerns found in this report about devices in classrooms is space and possible lack of teacher training.  Despite these concerns the recommendation is still a 1:1 device to student ratio. The report finds that students with stronger computer skills score higher in mathematics.  Throughout the report we learn about defining clear learning objectives, assessing the benefits of technology, assessing the purpose of technology and choosing which device/ program best suits ones needs, access to technology, supporting infrastructure, training, maintenance and support.  

Tablets in the Classroom

In Tablets in the Classroom one of the most successful recommendations I found was making sure that you plan for professional development time for teachers to use the products.  They also recommend in a high school setting you could even gather student help to serve as help desk personnel and in class media assistants, as long as you train them appropriately. I do not work in a high school, so I don't have students of the age ready to take on these tasks, but it does highlight the possibility for using all of your resources, whether it's paraeducators, parents, and volunteers.  There are also some students  who are comfortable helping their classmates with questions, which can be a big help.  This handbook goes through the steps in detail of what to expect for each stage of deployment and offers some great advice to help you along the way.  It also has checklists for each step including Planning and Strategy, Evaluate Tablets and Tablet Infrastructure, Develop a Budget and Find Funding Prepare Students and Parents, Procure, Deploy and Integrate Technology, Professional Development and Training,  and Measure Outcomes. With the checklist you can make sure you've covered all necessary steps and you may discover some you forgot!

In looking at these different reports I was reminded that every process has a beginning middle and and.  We cannot start with an idea and move straight to implementation we need to plan out all of the steps involved in order to achieve success.  So often I get excited about a new idea and want to move straight to implementation, but I need to take a step back and start from the beginning...