http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110317/APC0101/103170527/Kimberly-schools-approve-technology-improvement plan?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs
School officials plan to spend more than $484,000 next year for district technology improvements.The Kimberly school board unanimously approved the district's five-year technology plan on Monday. The plan calls for a total of $1.7 million in spending through the 2015-16 school year.Improvements next year would include a new phone system, new computers for the high school and $15,000 for pilot programs to determine how new technologies could benefit instruction.
Do you think this is a good way to implement technology?Would you try to implement something similar in your school district? Do you think it would get approved?What are your thoughts on pilot programs and do you think they are effective or not?
I am not so sure I agree with the district using the money to put in new phones, that seems like a waste of money to me. I think using it to pilot programs is a good idea and also the purchasing of new computers. I wouldn't try to implement something similar in my district i think technology such as iPads or iPod Touches would be useful especially in my classroom. Laptop/Netbook computers would also be useful in my district.
ReplyDeleteI also think the new phone system may not necessarily be the best use of the money. New computers are pretty much essential. However, I think a lot of the money should be spent on Pilot Programs. Although some pilot programs may not be successful and some students may not reap all the benefits of them, they still need to be done. Risks need to be taken in education and pilot programs are a way of doing that. We need to try new things and experiment with technologies to see what works and what doesn't. Therefore, pilot programs are a great way to implement technology, otherwise there can be no progress in educational technology.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Michelle and Tim, I can see how a new phone system can be of use. To be able to have a connection right to the office is a very valuable thing. In a time when violence does occur in schools, teacher's need to be armed with things like this. I believe these things are already implemented into my district and (usually) work very well! I agree with Tim that piolot programs are effective in helping with the progress of educational technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alanna, technology in education is not only within the classroom. Technology can be seen in metal detectors, phone systems, and PA systems. These are all examples of things that help keep students safe but they may not help them learn. Technology needs to be upgraded across the board not just only in the classroom.
ReplyDelete