In this section:

Hardware
Software
Networks
Presentation Software
Getting Started

In this section some basic terminology you will need is presented along with some models of technology adoption.

Technology Adoption: Hardware

Teachers need to have complete computer workstations in their classes that are capable of meeting their individual curricular needs. This means having a recent CPU, enough RAM to run desired software, a large, high resolution monitor, an adequate hard drive, Internet connection, access to a printer and scanner, a high speed CD-ROM drive. Access to laptop computers and specialized peripherals is also required. For ease of maintenance, training and communication, hardware should be standardized where possible.

As of today, the following are specifications are general guidelines for various types of hardware to meet the curricular needs of most educators.

Technology Adoption: Software

Software should be standardized wherever possible so that, for example, teachers, students, staff and administrators all use the same word processing program. Incompatibilities between software is an issue that can be eliminated before it becomes a problem, if the proper adoption techniques are demonstrated.

Today's most common software tasks (word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, etc.) can be accomplished with the use of "office suites". An office suite is a collection of programs, tightly integrated with one another to allow the sharing of data and files between programs, other computers, and even other computer platforms.

The two predominate office suites on the market today are Microsoft Office and Corel WordPerfect Suite. Each suite offers a rich array of software tools for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation, and person information management. When adopting software, it is vital to determine the needs of the people using the software, before an adoption plan is determined.

For more specific information regarding these two pieces of software visit their respective web sites. Reviews and pricing information are listed below.

Technology Adoption: Networks

Networking is the backbone of technology adoption. It is the foundation by which all other technological aspects of an adoption plan will be measured. When adopting a network, one must begin with the network server. The network's "server" will act as the brains of the entire network. It is responsible for file and printer sharing, Internet and email duties, and the speed and efficiency by which these tasks can be accomplished is handled by the network server.

Networks need to address the needs of all users.All teachers, all administrators and select staff should be connected via a LAN. They should have email access to relevant personnel and services. Parents should be able to contact teachers and school personnel. Interested community members should be able to access information on schools via the Internet.

Network Terminology:

More detailed information on networks follows below.

Technology Adoption: Presentation Software

Presentation software can add to the impact of presentations made by faculty, staff, and administrators. It can help motivate students by helping them make professional quality presentations. It can lure otherwise reluctant teachers to experiment with presentation technology because it tends to be user friendly and time efficient.

There are some cautions that must be considered along with the advantages. Sometimes glitches will arise when putting on presentations in unfamiliar locations. Cables can be lost or broken; projectors can burn out or not project the entire image; audio may be lost; batteries can run out. In other words, Murphy's Law can be realized at any time. Part of being well prepared is to make it a policy to carry color transparencies of the presentation in case of technical problems.

In addition to technology failures, there is a risk of overkill in schools where everyone is using it. Students can become jaded and compare notes on which background and transition effects are being used. Finally, in technology poor schools, there is the danger of resistance among teachers because of the expectation that they will never have access to the technology. Issues of "have" versus "have not" schools are becoming a major concern as many schools push ahead with sophisticated technology plans.

As with other technology, presentation software should be standardized within a school or district. In selecting a program, consideration should be given to ways that teachers, students, staff and administrators can use it to enhance their performance. The most popular programs are Microsoft's PowerPoint and Corel's Presentations8. You will be able to compare them in the Apply section.

Technology Adoption: Getting Started

Because technology adoption will have significant impact on the ways technology will be used in schools for years to come, it is a good idea to consider the process from several viewpoints. Listed below are some EXCELLENT sites. Spend a few hours reviewing some to become more familiar with the issues and terminology of technology adoption. When you have a sense of what is involved, proceed on to the sections in which you will make decisions about the specific components that will be purchased by your school or district.

A School's Guide to Getting On-Line provides instructions on how to proceed and includes links to a number of schools that are in various stages of technology implementation. There are extensive lists of terminology definitions and comparisons of alternative approaches to meet the needs of all types of schools and districts. It includes discussion of training and economic issues as well as technological issues.

Technology Tools for Today's Campuses contains a number of articles illustrating how specific technologies and issues have been handled in real situations. Relevant information can be reached by clicking on "Focus on Instructional Technology" on the navigation bar and looking for "LANs, WANs, and the Net: Should Educators Get Connected?" by Atsusi Hirumi (a graduate of SDSU's EdTec program). Many other good resources are linked to this site.

Technology Coordinator's Resource Center gives you a look at what tech coordinators deem important, with many links and resources.

Technology Connections is a site for planning the implementation of technology in schools.

National Center for Technology Planning has many online articles and links to sites of use in planning school technology.

Educational Technology Page of the WWW Virtual Library offers a search of international resources.

K-12 Network Technology Planning Guide from the California Department of Education gives many specific resources and models for planning and implementing networks in a school.

Doing Lots with One Classroom Computer by Judy Salpeter and Susan McLester provides specific information on setting up one computer classrooms.

NASA's A School's Guide to Getting Online covers most topics of interest and has links to school sites that are implementing plans.