Educational Technology: Local Planning Guide

Abstract

Developed by the Educational Technology Task Force of the Georgia Department of Education, this guide was designed to help educators plan for computer use in schools. This step-by-step approach for the planning and implementation of educational technology was written from the standpoint of an entire school system, but the principles described apply equally well to individual schools, individual classrooms, or to any academic or administrative division. A brief introduction provides background information, which is structured in six major stages: (1) Conducting Preliminary Activities; (2) Setting Directions; (3) Integrating Technology into Curriculum, Classroom Management, and School Activities; (4) Selecting Software and Hardware; (5) Planning for Staff Development; and (6) Organizing and Implementing for Success. Appendices and tables include a job description for the Technology Coordinator position; samples of philosophy and work statements, survey instruments, and software evaluation forms; an introduction to Georgia's plan for educational technology; descriptions of computer applications; forms for faculty computer competency, hardware, and software/courseware inventories; needs assessment questions and tools; resource lists; an outline for a local staff development program; and software copyright information. A bibliography is included. (DJR)