[LM_NET] Technolusting and technolisting

["Dr. Mary Ann Bell" <mbe11@EARTHLINK.NET>]

Ian Jukes and Alan November have both recently written about a topic 
that has concerned me for more than five years. That is the purchasing 
of technology--hardware, software, gadgets, etc.--on the part of 
educators without sufficient forethought. Too often, I fear, money is 
spent on things that are never or rarely used. The reasons for non-use 
include:
1. Acquisitions not compatible with other equipment/software
2. LACK OF TRAINING (in my opinion this is a biggie)
3. Lack of identified need
4. Lack of interest on the part of users
5. Lack of communication (I hear of situations where teachers don't even 
know what software they have available).

An example might be for every single teacher to get a Smart Board or 
"clicker" setup, with some enthusiastically using and some never taking 
out of original containers. I remember a teacher in my past who said 
"You can give me a computer if you want, but I will use it as a plant 
stand." Granted, by this time most teachers want and need computers in 
their classrooms, but what about all the other acquisitions?
 
Why does this happen? Often it is "listmania," where one district gets 
equipment ot "keep up" with another. I am again coming to my favorite 
sources of information and asking for your thoughts on this topic and 
also for examples (horror stories welcome as well as good examples). You 
probably guessed, but I am looking for information for an upcoming 
column...as always I will not quote names or places unless I contact you 
a second time for permission. Thanks in advance and have a great 
weekend! It is warm and sunny in Spring, TX and I am watching a 
chickadee on my bird feeder.--Mary Ann

-- 
***************************
"Try curiosity!"  Dorothy Parker
***************************
Dr. Mary Ann Bell
Assistant Professor 
School of Library Science
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX
mbe11@earthlink.net
lis_mah@shsu.edu 

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