Technology Integration Plan Evaluation

Gura (2018), in chapters 4-6, focuses on effective digital leadership and the importance of establishing a vision for technology integration in education. Gura emphasizes the need for a clear plan for technology integration that includes defining goals and objectives, identifying necessary resources and support, and establishing a timeline for implementation. The author also stresses the importance of establishing a culture of trust and collaboration among stakeholders and encouraging ongoing professional development for educators to stay up-to-date with technological advances. In addition, Gura highlights the potential challenges and pitfalls of technology integration, such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of training and support, and resistance to change.

Sheninger (2014), in chapters 5-8, also emphasizes the importance of effective digital leadership in education. These chapters address the need for a proactive and innovative approach to technology integration that is driven by a clear vision and supported by ongoing professional development for educators. The author discusses the priority for leaders to model the effective use of technology, establish a culture of innovation and risk-taking, and create a collaborative and supportive environment for educators. The textbook also highlights the importance of effective communication and stakeholder engagement in technology integration efforts. Additionally, the text discusses the potential benefits of technology integration, such as increased engagement and motivation among students and improved communication and collaboration among educators and other stakeholders.

Both Gura and Sheninger emphasize the importance of a well-planned Technology Integration Plan (TIP) that includes clear goals, resources, support, and a timeline for implementation. They also stress the need for ongoing professional development and a collaborative and supportive culture to ensure the success of technology integration efforts.

My local school district’s TIP aligns with the advice from Gura and Sheninger in several ways. For example, it emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear vision for technology integration and involving all stakeholders in the planning process. This aligns with Sheninger’s recommendations for creating a concrete, collective vision that articulates the why and how of technology integration. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development and support for teachers, which is consistent with Gura’s emphasis on the importance of building teacher capacity.

However, there are a few areas where the plan could be further developed considering the advice from Gura and Sheninger. For example, the plan could include more specific strategies for building teacher capacity, such as ongoing coaching and mentoring, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and job-embedded professional development. The plan could also be more explicit about the need to assess the effectiveness of technology integration efforts through the collection and analysis of data, which is a key theme in both Gura and Sheninger’s work. Finally, the plan could benefit from more attention to issues of equity and access, which is a central concern in both the Hanover Research report and Gura’s work. This could include strategies for ensuring that all students have access to technology and support for using it effectively, as well as efforts to address any existing disparities in technology access and use across different student populations.

References:
Gura, M. (2018). The Edtech’s Advocate’s Guide to Leading Change in Schools. Portland, OR
Hanover Research. (2019). The Digital Divide: Integrating Technology in School Districts. Arlington, VA
Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.