Technology Plan Part 1

     The technology plan I selected is from the Greenwich Public School. It is an online plan that I

chose since the program I work with does not have a technology plan. This plan does meet and

exceeds the expectations of criterion in the rubric. The plan’s vision statement is evident on the first

page of the document where it state, that under their plan’s vision by the 21^st century, their

classrooms will ensure that technology is an integral and ubiquitous part of a flexible and relevant

environment; where students will be challenged to responsibly demonstrate knowledge of  the use of

technology and information resources and to think critically and creatively about solving problems in

an effective  and efficient manner.

       There is a mission statement that does meet the criteria of the rubric with its clear focus on the

instructional outcomes, and a clear indication of the school’s district plan to ensure its technology in

education is a teaching and learning tool. When the plan used,  it will be effective in its support to

help transform the way students interact and enjoy personal growth.  In addition, the goals for the

plan as exceeded the expectations of the rubric. It is very broad and was designed to meet every

student learning styles and level. The goals outlined a variety of expectations. For example, it has a

goal for curriculum integration, professional learning, equitable access and resources, the funding

goals for the life of the  plan and the evaluation that will develop a continuous process of evaluation

and accountability for teaching and learning for technology.

          In my observation, the biggest positives about the plan are that it has a very colorful and bold

outlook to its layout. The headings and sub-heading are in bold forms.  In addition, there is much

useful instructions/information found under every heading. For example, there is an introduction,

vision for the plan, a mission that the plan sets out to accomplish a review section as well as focus

area and a variety of goals and strategies for guiding the user and making the plan user friendly.

        While it is important to have multiple strategies because of the different learning styles students

bring to the classroom, some of the negatives I have observed with the plan is that the set goals are

too many and very in-depth. For example, there are approximately seven different sub-headings of

goals with various expectations. I believe it is too much; hence, with regard to changes I would make

to the plan, would include eliminating some of the instructions and condensing the expectations. This

is due to the prevention of overwhelming students.

    Whether or not this plan accomplished its goals, I would definitely say to an extend it did, despite

the intensity of it content. It is important to also, understand that in a classroom there are different

populations of students. Therefore, this technology plan much be implemented across the school

board, and it must be differentiated to accommodate all its students.

 

Technology plan part 2

         In the article, “Developing Effective Technology Plans” by John See, he mentions some very

important points that are still relevant in technology plans to date. It is still important to have in the 

school, technology support personnel who will be  available and willing to attend workshops and

staff development meeting  in order to be aware and be  informed of the various technological

advancements. The personnel must be willing to attend these training sessions, like the author

mentioned in the article and  stated, that it is the school districts’ responsibility to provide its staff

with professional Development. This, ultimately will benefit the individual worker for his or her own

personal and professional growth.  Another aspect that is still applicable to today’s technology plan is

having sufficient funds to supply the school with updated device and equipment.

        On the other hand, some of the information mentioned in the article is no longer relevant

to today’s technology plan. For example, spending thousands of dollars for a device that serves

only one purpose is no longer an issue. In the world today, there are different ways to ensure

that money is allocated correctly; almost every technological device today can be used for

multiple purposes. In fact, there is no need to purchase a special device for teaching

keyboarding since almost every student has a phone or access to a phone and very often, acquires

this skill from texting and or playing video games. Moreover, having them practice on an old

type-writer will definitely  be highly annoying to students in today’s classrooms. Students are

coming into the classroom with the pre- knowledge of keyboarding from a very tender age.

Teaching keyboarding is no longer a priority for schools. The priority for schools today is to

have the fastest working network systems and the most advanced equipment.