[LM_NET] HIT: Technolust and listing and another little question...

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

On Friday I posted a question about wasteful spending on technology 
hardware, software, gadgets, etc. that seldom or never end up being 
used. WOW, I cannot tell you how many people waxed eloquent on this 
topic! Frankly I have seen waste in buying since the 1970's. But with 
technology it is so much worse. Here are the articles I was talking 
about in my original posting: November:
http://www.novemberlearning.com/default.aspx?tabid=159&type=art&site=22&parentid=18 

http://www.edtechnot.com/article701.html  (Jukes)
I know there is another good one and probably more at Jamie McKenzie's 
FNO site.

The interesting thing about my responses to this query is not just the 
number (I got a lot) but also the length and the amount of emotion! This 
is a hot spot for lots of us! Here is a summary of some of the things 
mentioned:
1. Two types of equipment most frequently mentioned were laser disks a 
few years back and videoconferencing equipment.
2. Many people mentioned poor use of software as well as non-use. 
Examples were unimaginative use of Inspriation and Powerpoint.
3. Smartboards are frequently mentioned as being used as expensive 
projection screens.
4. Lack of training was often mentioned.
5. Lack of identified need, where people were given things out of the 
blue was often mentioned.
5. Buying for one individual who then moved on to another job was also 
mentioned several times.
6. LACK OF TIME to assimilate and "tinker with technology" was a big 
problem.
7. "Technology for technology's sake" was described vividly.

I will be working to distill this information into an upcoming column 
and again thank everyone very much. And--here I go being bold 
again--does anyone has suggestions about what to do in the face of this 
issue??? Thanks again so very much, 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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