Technology planning makes the grade in education

Many of us have gone through the rigour of technology planning in our own organizations. We have often come up with a document that is generally referred to as the "technology plan," which varies widely in size, appearance and scope of coverage. Certain essential principles exist, however, that serve as benchmarks to success. Basic to success in developing a technology plan lies a fresh understanding of what technology planning really is. Just as a cookbook has recipes that, if followed, generally will lead to delicious cuisine, a technology plan has the potential for providing directions to success.

An ideal technology plan would show the community that the school is dedicated to a particular strategic goal, or set of goals, that will benefit the learner; this plan should be about the people. What better use could we make of our planning documents than to take this opportunity to discover, develop and champion the amazing resources and talents that lie within the people who surround the school, business or other organization for whom we are developing this plan? People make up communities; thus, technology planning can be used as a natural catalyst for school community-wide activity and involvement.

One of the benefits of technology planning is the process. Those who are responsible for guiding the technology planning are well advised to spend significant time both in quantity and quality to ensure that the process is a key, integral part of their comprehensive technology planning activity.

People, communities and process are extremely important components of technology planning. When these individual entities work well, we see positive results.

Yes, technology planning involves far more than just computers. Effective technology planning focuses on the business of education, not just the technology. In other words, a good technology plan should be outcomebased, not input-based. It should specify what students, staff and administration should be able to do with technology and let those outcomes determine the types and amount of technology that the plan requests. Effective technology planning also stresses the integration of technology into the curriculum and helps teachers answer the question "What are you teaching now that you can teach more effectively and efficiently with this tool?"

As is the case with an effective recipe, whether for an exotic dish or a simple meal, certain steps must be followed during preparation in order for the desired result to be achieved.

To ensure success, a technology planning committee must be established. This committee must represent every aspect of the school community - teachers, administrators, staff, business leaders, parents, community leaders and, yes, students.

A "state of the school" report is essential so that all members will understand current conditions in the school and the extent to which technologies are used for instruction and administration. Weak areas, as well as areas of particular strength, should be illuminated so they can be addressed in the plan. One might think of this step as .taking inventory."

The technology planning committee needs to establish its mandate at the beginning of the process to work toward a collaborative set of common goals and clear objectives. One byproduct of this approach is that it will start to create an effective forum for the participants and other stakeholders to share their own views and perspectives on business needs and technology issues. By this process, all members will have a clearer idea of the implementation issues, constraints, resources and time required to execute a technology plan.

Elements of a successful technology plan will find their way into the organization's budget, curriculum, skill training and job descriptions.

When the plan is part of a larger picture - specifically, the overall strategic long-range plan, the goals, missions and visions - the plan will be integrated.

By Lan Nguyen

Lan Nguyen is the chief information officer at Centennial College in Toronto. She has particular interest in appling IT to irratIonal development. Lan can he reached at Inguyen@Lmail.cencol.on.ca.

Copyright Plesman Publications Ltd. Dec 2000
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