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TF-VII Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments
TF-VII Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments Educational technology facilitators promote the development and implementation of technology infrastructure, procedures, policies, plans, and budgets for P-12 schools.

According to researchers, access to technology is the strongest predictor of technology use in the classroom. That means that as technologist, I need to make sure that the infrastructure is stable enough to handle technology on campus to avoid teacher frustration. Teachers will lose interest and abandon technology if product is unreliable or too hard to learn in a short amount of time. This means that I need to design, implement, and support technology rich environments on campus. This also means that I must work closely with educators to create and support modern learning. This includes: planning for technology that is aligned to learning standards; selecting technologies with the understand of the instructional context in which it will be utilized; arranging technologies to suit the needs of students and teachers; and budgeting for technology looking not only at initial cost, but total cost of ownership (Williamson and Redish, 2009). The Technology Support Index (TSI) helps schools appraise the quality and efficiency of their current technology support program. " Too often technology support systems in schools are developed and implemented in isolation from the instructional needs of the organization. A comprehensive technology strategy will first establish its functional objectives, both instructionally and administratively, and then develop a support strategy that adequately supports those objectives. The key to an effective strategy is an appropriate balance between the two" (Technology Support Index, 2011).
 * Self –Assessment **

One really nice initiative is the Anytime Anywhere Learning (AAL) Laptop Program of Walled Lake (MI) Consolidated School District. "What makes this 1:1 program unique, however, is that students are encouraged to buy their own laptops" (Ullmann, 2009). Our district tried the 1:1 program for one year and dropped it. Students were given a laptop to use for the year. Many of the laptops were not returned or were returned in deplorable condition. If students could bring their technology to school, the program would work. It would be awesome if students could bring their own technology! We would have to focus on infrastructure. I feel that our students do not need to dummy down when they arrive at the school door. So many of our students come to school with their tablet computers; being able to use them would allow them to be responsible for their own learning.

This infomation has helped me understand that applying this standard is not just about finding the proper technology. It also helps me understand that teachers will lose interest in technology that is too difficult to use or that is not relevant to their needs.

To implement this standard, I will focus on more than the technology. I have been asking for Dreamweaver for about three years. I spoke to the campus technology director, who blew me off, but also told me there is more to software than a disk. I also have to focus on licences and upkeep. I am learning to investigate every aspect of technology purchaes. I know that what looks good in a catalog may not work on or campus or with our students and teachers. I also know that support staff needs to be able to use technology.
 * Learn as a Learner **

I have learned that I play an important role in the success of technology programs on campus. This includes the considering infrastructure, procedures, policies, plans, and budgets for technology purchaes. One good thing about our district is that it tries to keep on the cutting edge of technology. Research based information should be prepared and presented to all stakeholders prior to consideration of new technology. I will have to work with the campus technology director who tends to be in a hurry most of the time. I would also have to work closely with principals, educational coach, and lead counselors. As a lifelong learner, questions for research include: What type of professional development should I be involved in to stay abreast of research based technology that will work in our campus climate? What organizations are beneficial to keeping me up-to-date?
 * Lifelong Learning Skills **

Technology Support Index. (2011) Instructional technology and technology support systems. Retrieved from http://tsi.iste.org/tsi-needed.asp. Ullmann, E. (2009). BYOT (Bring your own technology). Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/26288. Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.