The objectives of this session are to:

• Seek out specific hardware, software and networks that are appropriate to your Technology Use Plan (TUP).
• Compare specifications and prices of possible components.
• Consult with a technology coordinator about your choices.
• Consider the pluses and minuses of the choices in each category of technology.
• Evaluate Presentation Software in light of your TUP.
• Reflect on the choices that other participants have made.
• Include your final choices in the budget of your TUP.

In the past, unfortunately, educational technology has been often seen as simply hardware and software to be acquired as stand-alone items. As we move into the future, it becomes increasingly clear that curricular needs must be identified before technology is acquired.Underlying any good TUP is the maxim "Pedagogy precedes technology." Once pedagogical considerations have been thoroughly addressed, it is time to think about what stuff to obtain.

Just as a smart shopper compares a number of products before making a major purchase, you face the practical necessity of reviewing technology that is appropriate to your TUP. Most educators can think of examples of schools adopting a type of technology that turned out to be disastrous. Such mistakes make clear the need to be extremely careful in selecting the products that will implement the TUP.

In this section, you will review products and get a sense of the current state of what is available on the fast changing technology market. You will also move out of Cyber space and meet with a live human, in this case a technology coordinator of your choice, whose expertise can help you in making your final decision.You will also look over what other participants have chosen and consider their reasons for their choices. All of this will help you make good choices in constructing your TUP budget.

Page author: David Georgi and Jeff Carter
URL: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/EDTEC596R/session11/intro.html
Last updated: February 20, 1998