Week 9

Reflection of Chapter 5 and 6

Chapter 5 focused on having a vision for your technology plan, and Chapter 6 focused on how to implement a technology plan.   I think it is important to have a vision of what technology will look like in the future for your school.  Years ago at my school, we had a technology team.  The computer teacher at that time helped to develop this team to help solve IT problems at the school and develop a plan for the future.  I remember visiting with her several times about her frustration with the administration to devote time and resources towards technology and create a plan for the future.  After a while, the tech team dissolved due to a lack of leadership and frustration.  Around that same time, teachers were asked what do you want to see technology-wise for our future.  Now, looking back I think that was wise to include the teachers' thoughts-but it did bring more issues as teachers then were excited about improving our technology.  Smartboards were purchased from this, but training was not provided.  This caused technology to be used as a whiteboard only in some classrooms.  In the book, it talked about supporting teachers and including professional development for technology and how it can be used properly in the classroom.  These are things that are necessary to create change.  Dr. Smith mentioned that prior to the year 2015, each school had to have its technology plan posted with the state to receive e-rate.  It's unfortunate that that was no longer required.  The information in Chapters 5 and 6 cause me to want to create a Vision for our school and create a technology plan to move forward.