TF+Standard7

Technology facilitators and leaders work to provide equitable access to the amazing technology tools that are available. Teachers and students need these tools to provide a quality 21st century education to all students. It really isn't about entering technology related careers. It's about almost all of the careers being related to technology. Learning has to be different now because kids are visual and digital learners; and they have a visual and digital future. media type="custom" key="6456583"


 * Technology Facilitator and Leadership Standard 7: Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments**

Technology leaders must plan to provide the technology required to achieve the instructional goals of the district. I listed technology coach meetings in my internship documentation between instructional technology staff. These meetings often discussed technology purchases, planning current and future initiatives, and important policies for the use of technology. Some of our most important discussions have been about Internet access. Technology facilitators and leaders must consider the importance of educational resources. We have considered our web filter and ways to open up access to more resources for students. Technology leaders have to evaluate initiatives, software, and other programs for effectiveness before purchasing them. In education, there is a history of using technologies that teach students. These technologies have been supported by a certain amount of case studies supporting the claims of the publishers, but often these packages don't deliver their promised improvement in test results. Technology leaders have to look at initiatives like these and evaluate them before they are purchased. The technology leader must have the vision mentioned in standard 8 to guide them as they evaluate systems like that. Technology leaders also have to assess programs and initiatives. We have to manage support, both instructional and technical, for these technologies and for educational initiatives. A robust network must be built and maintained to support not only current technologies, but it must also be expandable to accommodate technologies that we may not even envision at this time.

Colosi, R. (Producer). (2009). //Interwrite winner - ain't gonna hold us back (d-i-g-i-t-a-l)//. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfTA5huDxvY Williamson, J, & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE's technology facilitation and leadership standards//. Eugene, OR: International Society of Technology in Education.