We see all around us how technology is changing teaching and learning--as it is changing all facets of our lives. We have data that shows technology, depending on how it is used, efficiently and effectively supports student learning and the instructional process. Yet technology is not the end goal--it is but one component in an educational…

Summarizes findings from a study of the emerging Information Technology function of community college "Chief Information Officers" (CIOs). According to the author, rapid changes in both technological environments and in the expectations of what technology will be used for have significantly shaped CIO responsibilities within community colleges.…

Finding a competent technology leader to manage educational technology for a school district can be a daunting task. The technology director plays a vital role in the leadership of instructional technology and related services. This individual is in a position to frame out the vision and direction for how technology can be used in teaching and…

This educational technology plan for South Carolina contains the following sections: (1) statewide progress related to the telecommunications infrastructure, professional development, video infrastructure, administrative infrastructure, and funding; (2) introduction to educational technology concepts, including major components and factors…

The July 2003 meeting of the Ministerial Council for Education, Employment Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) endorsed the "National Bandwidth Action Plan--Learning in an online world 2003-06" as the basis for the development of the "National Implementation Plan." The "National Implementation Plan 2004-05" provides…

Reviews a laptop computer technology program that has been in effect for nearly four years in a middle school in Bethesda, Maryland. Topics include initial opposition from parents; benefits to teachers, students, and learning; copyright issues; problems with plagiarism; accessibility; accountability; and email issues. (LRW)

Describes strategies for districtwide technology planning, including establishing a technology steering committee; assessing the present state of technology in the district; identifying major components in district-level planning (developing a vision); and measuring success. Sources for sample technology plans are offered, and 10 common problems…

Discusses computer vendors who position themselves as value-added resellers to benefit school library media specialists by assisting them in purchasing effective and appropriate technology products and services. Explains the benefits of developing a good relationship with a vendor, even if the cost is higher than purchasing through a catalog. (LRW)

Addresses the need for careful planning and discernment when adopting new educational technology to ensure gains in student performance and to achieve learning goals. Topics include focusing on philosophical commitments and program purposes; challenging claims; testing; reviewing previous experiences; evaluating; and slowing down the purchase and…

Discusses the relationship between technology and librarianship and suggests questioning new technology, including whether it benefits the user and whether it is accessible, affordable, and cost effective. Considers Google's success, recommends that libraries become more involved in technology development, and includes a sidebar describing new…

Describes how, after a concentrated period of universitywide cooperation and collaboration, Georgetown University's information technology environment has become world-class. (EV)

Kaestner is the TCO (total cost of ownership) project director for the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), a national nonprofit group that helps K-12 schools effectively use technology to improve both teaching and learning. CoSN, in tandem with Gartner, a research and advisory firm, has developed a free, vendorneutral, online tool--in the…

Implementing an enterprise resource planning system is a complex undertaking. Careful planning, management, communication, and staffing can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful implementation. (Contains 3 tables.)

Reviews products and services that are resources for staff development for educators. New offerings range from "do-it-yourself" kits to on-site workshops, from product-specific workbooks to Internet sites. The selection process should include costs and how the products and services complement a district's technology plan. (AEF)

Describes the early stages of technology planning that include: development of a technology integration task force; evaluation of current faculty levels of technology proficiency, integration, and implementation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) technology standards within the SUNY Oswego School of Education;…