Core #2 is Leading and that involved 5 “T’s” – Tools, Talent, Technology, Training and Time. Here is part three of this second Core Function.
Technology is your approach to using the tools and the talent. Who gets to use what? What mix can they have? When do they select the tools? When do you push toward the next great tech tool?
In the Tools post we talked about selecting individual tools. Now we will turn to the mix of tools that you have and how you effectively blend that mix.
If you are like most firms, you have several tools that you use. Some of them are focused on one area and doing one function. Some are broader and can be used for just about everything. Your selection of what tool to use for what job falls under your use of technology.
Merriam-Webster defines technology as “a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge”. Within this definition is the concept of what processes and methods and tools you use.
The Tech Manager is in a perfect position to suggest how best to use the tools. What tools are used for learning? What ones are best suited for remediation? Which ones do the best at supporting Administration? Some of the tools overlap. They do multiple portions of work.
Defining the mix of tools allows the staff to not have to struggle through selecting them themselves. You should have a preferred selection of which one to use for each task. Make a list of all the software and what it can cover. Then select the preferred one for each task. Seek to have everyone use the preferred tool.
Supporting Pedagogy
Keep this in mind when defining the approach to technology. It must support the preferred pedagogy of your school. Best in Class tools may not do what your team has defined for reaching students. Keep the flow of input coming from teachers as to how they might need to use technology to impact students. Don’t just buy the latest thing if it really does not enhance the way your school thinks about capturing students minds. Don’t use tools in a way that transfers procedures only and does not spark imagination and creativity. Let people use things “the wrong way” if it helps a student. Embrace new ideas in technology that come straight from the classroom.
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