Wasted Resources

In searching for inspiration this evening I happen across statistics that surprised me.  “More than 90 percent of all schools are connected to the Internet, and more than 33 percent of teachers have Internet access in their classrooms. Yet teachers readily admit that they are not making as much use of technology as they could. According to an Education Week survey, nearly 30 percent of teachers said their students use computers only one hour per week; nearly 40 percent said their students do not use computers in the classroom at all”.

The above statistics begs the question ‘where are school administrators or school boards’ in these scenarios. It is obvious that large amounts of money have been spent but on technology but equally obvious that very little time or effort is spent on planning for post implementation. Information Technology does not happen because just because a vendor installs computers in a lab or classroom. Before the first purchase is made there should be needs analysis, implementation planning, training requirements determine, hardware and software cost estimates.  Additional requirements include the need for a commitment to maintain and refresh both hardware and software on a timely basis and technical support for both teachers and student.

Even if all the above steps are thoughtfully and carefully completed the results will be the unsatisfactory unless the teaching staff are engaged and committed.  It is important that school administrators follow up with both staff and student to ensure that these valuable resources are not left idle and are used to there maximum potential.