Reflections+on+Standard+VII


 * Reflection on Standard VII: Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments **

As I was reading Chapter 7, Procedures, Policies, Planning, and Budgeting for Technology Environments, I realized that TF Standard VII is a critical standard in the implementation and integration of technology in PK-12 education. TF Standard VII states, “Educational technology facilitators promote the development and implementation of technology infrastructure, procedures, policies, plans, and budgets for PK-12 schools.” Williams, J. and Redish, T. explain that Standard VII addresses “Equitable Access and Technical Support, Implementation Planning, Consistent and Adequate Funding, and Support Policies.” (2009, p. 167). I joined our district strategic planning committee that focused on technology in the next 3 to 5 years, this committee addressed technology implementation for curriculum and operational tasks in the district. We reviewed our technology plan, budget, professional development for technology integration into the curriculum, and automation of operational tasks. The committee met several times throughout the spring and went through a lengthy process to create action plans related to technology in the district. This activity is aligned with the performance indicator TF Standard VII-B.2., “Discuss and apply guidelines for budget planning and management procedures related to educational computing and technology facilities and resources.” It is also aligned with TF Standard VII-B.4., “Apply current information involving facilities planning issues and computer-related technology.” As a member of this committee, I am aware of how important these responsibilities are to ensure that we are addressing the necessary demands of technology in our district and complying with local, state and federal standards. TF Standard VII also applies to an assignment in our Web Mastering course that we had to create a technology budget and plan to upgrade our district’s Website. In my opinion, this standard covers many important processes related to technology in PK-12 education and as a technology facilitator; I must continue to expand my knowledge to ensure that I am meeting all the tasks within this standard.

In the past, I have worked with budgets related to manufacturing and operating expenses in my previous career, but I had not participated in budgeting for technology in a school setting before it was an interesting experience. This experience has taught me how crucial the performance indicators in this standard are to make certain that a district has the budget to incorporate technology in all aspects within the district. Many necessary procedures must be taken into consideration to ensure an adequate budget to meet all the demands and not fall short in funds. I learned much about the responsibility of administrators and facilitators as they relate to the planning and budgeting of technology for the district. In my opinion, we must take these responsibilities very serious because the district will implement the recommendations we chose and this will affect the future of entire district. The affective tone of the committee members was positive and serious we understood the importance of the decisions we would eventually recommend to our school board. Questions I have regarding this standard are; how can a facilitator continue to expand his knowledge to accomplish all the tasks in Standard VII? How can technology leaders ensure that sufficient funds are available to cover all costs related to implementation of technology? How do we assure continuous updating of policies and procedures to address the rapid changes in technology? Addressing these questions is important to ensure complete alignment with Standard VII. After reading this chapter, I am still puzzled as to how a technology facilitator will learn to accomplish all the tasks related to this standard. In my opinion, continuous professional development will have to play a key role in addressing this concern so that technology facilitators will have the technical skill to provide a district with the guidance in making decisions related to technology.

 Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership// // standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do //. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, pp. 146-176.
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