Session: EdTech Planning 101
Speaker: Tricia Umhafer, Teq Inc
Strategic Planning
Have a vision
What overarching goal do you want your district to achieve in the next 3-5 years?
Get buy-in from the community (e.g. staff, teachers, parents, etc.)
Will students and teachers want to use the technology that the district is looking to buy?
Consider the needs of your district's in-person, online, and blended learning models
Optimize for compatibility of new learning technologies with your current infrastructure and other intended new purchases
Reduce the Digital Divide
Design your digital programs for all types of learners
Keep in mind accessibility and providing accommodations for students that need it
Ideally, the school issues devices since there are potential issues with BYOD
Not all students can afford their own devices in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Students with newer, high tech devices may have better access to digital curriculum than others
School-issued devices even the playing field by keeping the digital experience consistent between different families
Make sure technology is easy to use for families and students
Is there Single Sign-On (SSO) to reduce barriers and encourage parent involvement?
Are instructions given to families available in multiple languages?
Is there technical support from vendors that educators and parents can refer to?
Digital Use Divide
Promote active use of digital devices instead of passive use. Design your technology curriculum to require students to create or interact with digital content instead of a one-way consumption of digital media.
For a comprehensive education technology plan, refer to the 2017 National Education Technology Plan (NETP) by the Department of Education.
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