Planning & Consulting: It's More Than Computers
By: Dr. Larry S. Anderson
Technology planning, as a phrase, has become used so commonly, especially in education circles, that the purity of its meaning has almost evaporated, much like alcohol spilled on a tabletop. The acute importance of technology planning has not diminished at all, however; to the contrary, it has become more critical. To understand, afresh, the crucial nature of clear, defined, defensible, well-thought-out plans requires that we commit ourselves to step back from the technology, itself. We must focus upon the plan, the planning, and the potential. Technology planning is a comprehensive activity, centered on a robust process, that is, indeed, much more than computers.
More Than Computers? How?
The immediate, basic reaction to a technology plan is to say, “Oh yeah, that’s a report about our computers.” In an optimum world, we would respond, “Not so!!” Yes, any technology plan would give reference to computers, but only as one component in the smorgasbord of considerations regarding technology application. Many more aspects should be included.
A technology plan should be about people. What better use could we make of our planning documents than to take this opportunity to discover, develop, and champion the amazing resources and talents that lie within the people who surround the school for whom we are developing this plan?
As the written plan lists members of various committees, this is a marvelous opportunity for us to discuss the compilation of cooperative endeavors that emerge as people engage in meaningful, informed dialogue leading to significant, positive action for a technologically enhanced learning environment. Committees work hard to create and sustain optimized conditions for learning. Many testimonials exist that detail ways in which people have uncovered phenomenal resources within a community—resources that were thought to be either non-existent or completely out of the realm of possibility when the technology planning process began. Amazing things can happen when the creative genius of people can be released to accomplish common goals.
People make up communities; thus, technology planning can be used as a natural catalyst for community-wide activity and involvement. When such magic occurs, we find it easier to recognize that the focus is not on the computer at all. Rather, it is upon the collective strength inherent among individuals who bring their gifts to bear on a common set of goals. Often, we hear reference to the term, “community of learners.” Certainly, a bold technology planning effort, incorporating computers and other technologies, has the potential of building, strengthening, and sustaining learners through networks and events that embody the concept of community.
One of the rare beauties of technology planning is the process. On the surface, the process might not appear so glamorous, especially to the novice planner. To the contrary, though, when the process itself is treated with great care by the technology planning committee chairperson and the central planning committee, the rewards from the process can be magnificent in scope and quantity.
It might be easy to ignore the process, but if this occurs with reckless abandon, the rewards that are reaped will be harmful and, perhaps, irreparable. Those who are responsible for guiding the technology planning are well-advised to spend significant time (both in quantity and in quality), working harmoniously, to ensure that the process is a key, integral, well-protected part of their comprehensive technology planning activity.
People, communities, and process are extremely important components of technology planning. When these individual entities work well, we see positive results. However, the truly massive beauty comes forth when we stop to examine all the vast interactions that occur when the components are worthy, optimally. Technology planning is far more exciting and yields far more impressive—and satisfying—results when we witness people working aggressively, as parts of collective communities, through a “well-oiled” process to accomplish vision and mission goals that have been built because of fruitful interactions.
Another dimension of the interaction phenomenon can be observed when students, empowered by effective technology implementation plans, learn new ways to interact with each other—and with new peers they meet as a result of using the technology connections—that lead to explosive intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Yes, technology planning involves far more than just computers. Educational institutions, especially, seek evidence of progress continuously. No doubt, significant, positive progress is evidenced as the interactions of people, formed into various types of communities, engaged in a healthy process become manifest.
So, what advice can we draw from recognizing the truth of the previous concepts? How can we apply what we know to the situation in which we find ourselves? What important strategies will we develop as a result of acknowledging the truth we see?
Each situation is unique. Wise planners can, however, marshal the positive powers within their own school to scrutinize the planning, the process, the people, the resources, and the desired results of their technology plans so that a winning scenario can become a reality. Sometimes, one of the key elements—a key tool—in the planner’s arsenal is pure, simple honesty. This means that planners must commit themselves to shed any defensive feelings they might have, or be threatened to adopt, as they examine their particular situation. True, sustainable growth comes from facing the honest reality of a condition, then working together to build a strategy for guaranteed success.
Technology planners must recognize the power of computers; however, they must know that technology involves so much more than the boxes, wires, and switches of hardware. Then, they must work deliberately to make sure this realization is manifested in the words of their written technology planning document and is evidenced in the words and actions of their technology action plan.
Larry S. Anderson is the founder/director of the National Center for Technology Planning, www.nctp.com.
