Optimal+Technology+Plan

__"Shared Vision__ Proactive leadership in developing a shared vision for educational technology among all education stakeholders including teachers and support staff, school and district administrators, teacher educators, students, parents, and the community __Empowered Leaders__ Stakeholders at every level empowered to be leaders in effecting change __Implementation Planning__ A systemic plan aligned with a shared vision for school effectiveness and student learning through the infusion of information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital learning resources __Consistent and Adequate Funding__ Ongoing funding to support technology infrastructure, personnel, digital resources, and staff development __Equitable Access__ Robust and reliable access to current and emerging technologies and digital resources, with connectivity for all students, teachers, staff, and school leaders __Skilled Personnel Educators__, support staff, and other leaders skilled in the selection and effective use of appropriate ICT resources __Ongoing Professional Learning__ Technology-related professional learning plans and opportunities with dedicated time to practice and share ideas __Technical Support__ Consistent and reliable assistance for maintaining, renewing, and using ICT and digital learning resources __Curriculum Framework__ Content standards and related digital curriculum resources that are aligned with and support digital-age learning and work __Student-Centered Learning__ Planning, teaching, and assessment center around the needs and abilities of students __Assessment and Evaluation__ Continuous assessment, both of learning and for learning, and evaluation of the use of ICT and digital resources __Engaged Communities__ Partnerships and collaboration within communities to support and fund the use of ICT and digital learning resources __Support Policies__ Policies, financial plans, accountability measures, and incentive structures to support the use of ICT and other digital resources for learning and in district school operations"
 * __Necessary conditions to effectively leverage technology for learning: __[|ISTE]


 * Goals:
 * The plan for integrating technology into the school is based on the school or district's educational vision and is part of an overall school-improvement plan.
 * The technology plan aims to improve student learning, to help students perform authentic tasks, and to help students learn skills that will prepare them for future careers.
 * Educators, parents, students, and community members support the school's initiatives in the use of technology.
 * Professional development and support for staff is provided on an ongoing basis.
 * The technology plan is periodically reviewed and updated.
 * Evaluation plans are in place to ensure the technology plan generates the desired outcomes.

>
 *  A ccomplishing Goals: "Investigate federal, state, and other [|grant opportunities and funding sources]for educational technology. Ensure that the team is composed of representatives from all segments of the school and the community--administrators, the [|school business manager], teachers, parents, and local businesspeople who have expertise in technology and telecommunications. Designate a [|team leader]who is able to delegate responsibility to individuals or committees and keep the team on task. Teachers also must have access to on-site technical support personnel, who are responsible for troubleshooting and assistance after the technology and lessons are in place." Jones, B.F., Valdez, G., Nowakowski, J., & Rasmussen, C. (1995) Add incentives to staff for pursuing technology. Implement teacher incentives.


 * Analysis of Essential Conditions for successful tech implementation: The plan must have an [|assessment] component. Educators, parents, and community members are more likely to support technology if they are able to see proof of its value in helping students learn.

> David (1994) promotes the following rules of thumb for professional development in technology: > > > >
 * Addressing the needs of teachers: Staff development activities should help teachers become comfortable and proficient with the technology and give them the opportunity to devise ways to use it in their classrooms.
 * //"Invest at least as much in professional development as in technology. If funds are limited, use what is available for professional development and seek other funding sources, including grants and business partnerships, for acquiring technology.//
 * //Focus on ensuring teacher access to and comfort with technology for their own uses before expecting extensive use with students.//
 * //Invest in developing principals as leaders of change, supporters of teacher development, and modelers of technology use.//
 * //Maximize the leverage of professional development by investing in lead cadres of teachers--one or more from each school--who are supported to share expertise with colleagues, and in other trainer-of-trainers models.//
 * //Give school faculties (as a whole, as teams, and as individuals) the flexibility to select the kinds of training and other development opportunities appropriate to their needs and preferences."//


 * Addressing the needs of Students: The technology plan strengthens existing curricula and supports [|meaningful, engaged learning] for all students


 * Budget Allocations: The plan should be reviewed each year during the budget process to make sure the district is purchasing the most current equipment and to take advantage of new and lower cost technology.