LOCAL SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY SELECTION CRITERIA 2

Local School Technology Selection Criteria

I researched the information explained in discussion board 1 by calling the instructional
technology director at Portledge HS locust valley, who answered my questions on the technology
used at the school. The process of selecting technology never comes to an end as a perfect
integration of technology in the classroom is unreachable. Technologies are constantly changing;
students and teachers come and go. The process of selecting technology in school is a continuous
one. The process of adapting for the teacher and the students is the most important. First,
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) requirements on technologies that
should be used in schools are considered. Then parents, teachers and other stakeholders are
consulted on their views regarding a certain technology tool. Then, the tools are acquired, and
training takes place. A viable vendor is usually selected. The vendor facilitates training; to the
teachers who in turn train the learners on effective use of the technological tools. If the tool s to
be used by parents as well such as ParentVUE, then the parents are also trained on how to use the
tool effectively. All this is facilitated by the selected vendor.
Based on information received, the technology used in the school was selected based on
different factors. First, the ease of use of the tool was considered. Only tools that were easy to
use for both the teachers and the students were selected. Also, the time factor was considered,
and the school selected technology tools that did not require a lot of time to use, considering that
class lessons are timed. Other than time, the level of interaction created by the tool was
considered. For instance, the school chose Socrative because it enhanced interaction between the
teachers and the students, thus making the lessons more engaging. The school also wanted
technology tools that broaden and enrich learning opportunities. The issues of security and
privacy were considered. The school was and still is very conscious about cyberbullying and the

LOCAL SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY SELECTION CRITERIA 3
dangers that the internet exposes students to, thus only tools whose security and privacy could be
ascertained were selected. Budget considerations are made — the school checks on availability
of funds. A one-time allocation of a huge amount of time requires the technology selected to
have a long lifespan. It budgets on technology support, installation, as well as professional
development. Other than the cost, the effectiveness of the tool in helping students achieve their
goals is considered.
A school that develops a culture that embraces technology fosters a culture that accepts
technology. The process of selecting technology at the school is quite effective. What appeals to
me the most is that the school consults with the relevant stakeholders. That is an informed move
because it ensures that the people using technology accept the tool. the school considers
standards set by International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). This ensures that the
technology tools used in the school meet the nationally set standards. Also, I think that the
provision of training by the selected vendor enhances the implementation process. It enhances
accountability on the part of the vendor, thus ensuring that the school gets the best. Overall, the
selection process is comprehensive; the school not only considers the achievement of student
goals but also the affordability of the technology tool; thus, it makes financially viable decisions.