By Jennifer J. Farr, Certified New York State Educational Administrator

Now that digital technology is an integral part of many of our classrooms, we have a new challenge: How can we manage this essential technology? How can we maximize the school district’s financial investment? Most importantly, how can we maximize the students’ educational benefit? Unfortunately, in many districts these questions haven’t been asked, much less answered. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  

Let’s consider what a good technology management plan would offer:

·         It would provide a thoughtful and analytic process for the selection of software programs, online subscriptions, and peripherals.

·         It would assure that technology  is assessed for effectiveness on a regular basis.

·         It would promote theory-focused professional development rather than software-specific (point and click).

·         It would help develop teacher and student skills evenly throughout  the  district.

·         It would assure that all curriculum areas can purchase the technology their  individual students need to succeed.

·         It would help standardize technology purchases in the district .

The A²R²I³S²E² cycle has been designed to address these instructional technology needs.

A²R²I³S²E² Introduction

The word “Arise” means move upward - effective use of technology moves student achievement and success upward. The Arise Instructional Technology Cycle allows administrators and educators to integrate technology into the curriculum thoughtfully.  The cycle also gives all shareholders in the district the information needed for planning and budgeting purposes.

Underlying Principles of the Plan

·         Teachers are the expert professionals responsible for planning and implementing curriculum.

·         Technology must be integrated across the curriculum to enhance learning.

·         Teachers function as advisers, content experts, and coaches when technology is effectively integrated into all subjects.

·         Instructional technology must be evaluated for effectiveness in an well-thought-out manner.

General Overview of the Plan

The following is a proposed timeline for evaluating instructional technology using the A²R²I³S²E² approach.  At the end of a three-year period, the cycle would repeat.  The general timeline and process described in this document is a flexible framework; each district can modify the details to suit its specific requirements.

Overarching Yearly Goals

YEAR 1

A²  = Analyze & Assess Needs / R² = Research & Recommend

Technology coaches, department chair(s), coordinators, and instructional shareholders work with teachers to analyze the current curriculum in grades K-12. Technology matrices, curriculum maps, standardized scores, and a long-range technology plan are used to assess strengths and weaknesses.

Committee members explore and research potentially useful technologies and review and recommend software, peripherals, and instructional technology strategies that will strengthen the curriculum.  Recommendations are presented to district shareholders that could include technology steering committees, administrative council, and BOE members.

YEAR 2

I³    = Install, Implement & Integrate / S²   = Support & Staff Development Focus

Technology mentors, Computer Teacher Assistants, and/or committee members familiarize themselves with the products and software and develop training programs for the staff. 

During this phase there is a strong staff development focus.  Instructional leaders and mentors work with principals, staff development coordinators, and technology coordinators to provide training that includes workshops, faculty presentations, and individual instruction.

YEAR 3

E²  = Evaluate Effectiveness

Technology coordinators and administrators work with  teachers to assess the new technologies using observation, rubrics, student scores, usage reports, workshop evaluations, and questionnaires.  Usage reports and findings are used as criteria to begin the cycle again.  Data is also shared with other curriculum cycle committee members.

Instructional Technology Plan/Cycle Developed by Instructional Technology Consultant Jen Farr of Farr-Out Links to Learning

 
Jen Farr is a certified New York State Educational Administrator with 17 years experience working with educators, students and technology. She has published over 150 online educational resources and offers workshops across the country. Jen will also research and develop workshops and training materials that are customized to the needs of your district or corporation. Contact her at Farr-Out Links to Learning