Technology+Facilitation+Standards+VII

Submitted by Vicki Lovett

ISTE’s Standard VII, Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments Standard VII deals with procedures, policies, planning and budgeting. Areas stressed are accessibility and time available to teachers to use technology. These two categories are stated by teachers as reasons technology is not being utilized. While planning for technology deployment leaders must consider selecting, arranging, budgeting and responsibility lists. When selecting technologies it is important to consider the context on which they will be used. They must fit into the curriculum. Teachers must be able to see how and when they will be used. Arrangement of computers in classrooms and school make access limited. There are few, if any computers in classrooms which make whole group teaching difficult. This requires flexible scheduling in the computer labs essential. This makes integration difficult.

“Budgeting requires a comprehensive knowledge of all the components necessary to ensure sufficient access to technology” (Williamson & Redish, 2009). All areas must be considered when creating a budget for implementation. This would include hardware, software, infrastructure/connectivity, installation, technical support, operation costs and replacement/upgrade costs. All of these areas must be considered for the budget to be accurate. Because public funds are used all procurement policies within the district must be complied. The purchases are usually large and a quote for the best price is required.

When implementing new technologies, leaders must include a schedule which includes professional development. This is an area that is lacking in all areas of technology. There is hardware and software in most campuses that is not being used because of lack of professional development.

References Williamson, J., & Redish T. (2009). Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments. In Jeff Bolkan, Lynda Gansel, Lanier Brandau (Ed.) ISTE’s Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards (pp. 147 - 176). International Society for Technology in Education. Eugene, OR