We have been doing amazing things with technology in our district over the past several years...at least I think so! I'm proud of where we are today and where we are heading tomorrow. But, like so many districts we are figuring it out along the way and one of the most complicated questions is...how do we allocate our resources?
It's really all about balance and thoughtfulness. I know...rocket science, right? But, the truth is in it's simplicity. Balance is the key...as an organization using public funds, you must provide a balanced approach to create the greatest impact. But, what do you need to balance?
Devices, Professional Development, Technology Support, Infrastructure, Coaching, & Curriculum.
Could any of these be 'argued' out of a technology budget?...I don't think so. However, those are just the 'things' and it's not just about the things, it's about balancing those things and finding the 'right' balance is even more complicated.
As with the rocks (see above), each element of technology deserves adequate attention and support...it's really not about equality as different rocks are different sizes and weights. It's really about ensuring that each element is given the right size and weight depending on what it is and where you are on your tech journey. For example, if you take your entire tech budget and divide it equally among each component, you may have too much of one (chromebooks) and not enough of another (tech coaches). That won't work. If you hire 5 coaches for a district of 10, 000 kids, but only deploy 500 chromebooks...that won't work. Too many people....not enough devices. So, you have to strive to achieve balance. It's really not easy to achieve balance as the target is moving. Every district (and school) has a different culture and is in a different point in time working to integrate technology. When is the right time to go heavy with infrastructure? When is the right time to shift the allocation to coaches? When is the right time for device deployment? How much should we spend on PD? Are people even using that technology 'subscription, should we renew it? There are no accidents in these decisions...no randomness. Be thoughtful and committed to the goal.
It's really all about balance and thoughtfulness. I know...rocket science, right? But, the truth is in it's simplicity. Balance is the key...as an organization using public funds, you must provide a balanced approach to create the greatest impact. But, what do you need to balance?
Devices, Professional Development, Technology Support, Infrastructure, Coaching, & Curriculum.
Could any of these be 'argued' out of a technology budget?...I don't think so. However, those are just the 'things' and it's not just about the things, it's about balancing those things and finding the 'right' balance is even more complicated.
As with the rocks (see above), each element of technology deserves adequate attention and support...it's really not about equality as different rocks are different sizes and weights. It's really about ensuring that each element is given the right size and weight depending on what it is and where you are on your tech journey. For example, if you take your entire tech budget and divide it equally among each component, you may have too much of one (chromebooks) and not enough of another (tech coaches). That won't work. If you hire 5 coaches for a district of 10, 000 kids, but only deploy 500 chromebooks...that won't work. Too many people....not enough devices. So, you have to strive to achieve balance. It's really not easy to achieve balance as the target is moving. Every district (and school) has a different culture and is in a different point in time working to integrate technology. When is the right time to go heavy with infrastructure? When is the right time to shift the allocation to coaches? When is the right time for device deployment? How much should we spend on PD? Are people even using that technology 'subscription, should we renew it? There are no accidents in these decisions...no randomness. Be thoughtful and committed to the goal.
If you are on the team making these decisions, it's not easy. Everyone has an interest in one bucket or the other...everyone hears from their people..."WE NEED MORE THIS!" "WE NEED MORE THAT!" But, as a team, you have to strive to achieve balance in your school and balance in your district. How can you support teachers to take risks, while ensuring you have the tech support for them? It's not about throwing money at the pot...it's about allocating resources in the right bucket at the right time. You will not get it perfect, but don't let the pursuit of perfection hinder you from being really good.
Bottom line advice...collaborate, listen, reflect, and plan. Then, do that over and over again!
Bottom line advice...collaborate, listen, reflect, and plan. Then, do that over and over again!