Week+4-+Part+4.5+Technology+Facilitator+Standard+7

__**TECHNOLOGY FACILITATION STANDARD VII:**__ //Educational technology facilitators promote the development and implementation of technology infrastructure, procedures, policies, plans, and budgets for PK-12 schools.//
 * Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environment**

//Self-Assessment// Our district recently created a Computer Committee, in which I'm a member, to address this exact standard. The committee is composed of at least one technology teacher or aide from each campus, the Director of Instructional Technology (DIT), and Director of Technology (DT). We cover the most common duties related to providing educators and students with sufficient access to technology fall into the following four stages: (1) planning for technology deployments, (2) procurement, (3) implementation, and (4) maintenance/monitoring (Williamson 2009). In an effort to save money and reduce redundancy, there are now forms and procedures if a teacher or administrator wants to order software or hardware for their classroom or campus. The form requests specific information to see if we have the infrastructure and equipment to support it. The submitted forms are reviewed by us to see if it can be used grade or subject wise across the district. If passed by us, it goes to the next step where the DIT looks for similar or best price available, while the DT checks the specifications.

//Learn as a Learner// One of the things we are looking is using more open source items. Guhlin (2007) says that a switch to free open source software also minimizes cost and allows funding to be diverted to equipment and other programs. I've shared the link for openoffice.org and google docs with students who need Microsoft office type software at home. Failure to provide adequate technological resources for all translates into failue to provide quality education, creating an even greater divide between affluent and poor school districts (Mason and Dodds 2005).

//Lifelong Learning Skills// Thinking about my own campus, I compared our computer labs to the tables in Williamson's book. We have five labs and a mobile lab, but three are used for classroom use while reservations are needed for the others. As Williamson (2009) pointed out in the list, a weakness is advance scheduling reduces ability to pursue short-term learning goals as they emerge. To ensure adequate access, technology facilitators and leaders must reflect on their practice and ensure that all components for successful technology deployments are implemented (Williamson 2009). //References// Guhlin, M. (2007). The Case of Open Source. //Technology & Learning. February.// Mason, C. & Dodds, R. (2005). Bridge the Digital Divide for Educational Equity. //The Education Digest. 70;9.// 25-27. Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards.// Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.