Task Force: Technology in the Classroom

Congratulations!

You have been selected as part of a committee to study the best use of technology in the classrooms in your school district, and convince the school board of the best places to invest in educational technology. 

Why Are We Doing This?

There are many differing opinions about the best use of technology in the classroom. Some people argue that it can help students with different learning styles and needs and prepare students for using technology in the real world. Others argue that it can cause distractions and lead to students spending too much time in front of screens. Also, access to technology is far from universal, with some school districts having a lot of money to buy the newest technology, while others are left with none. 

Steps

1. Conduct research on different educational technologies, their purpose and use. 
2. Then, see what data you can find about the use of technology in different classrooms around the country. Think about what questions you have that need to be answered in order for you to make a plan for your district. 
3. Now, craft your proposal that you will present to the school board
   1. What types of technology will you recommend? 
   2. What students will benefit from this technology? 
   3. Will there be any students who do not benefit? 
   4. Will you need to train teachers on how to use the technology? 
   5. Why is this technology worth the investment? 
4. Think through the possible objections to your plan and how you would respond. Particularly, think about questions the school board members might have.  
5. Share with the group and see if you can convince them that your plan represents the best use of technology in classrooms. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You do not have to come up with an exhaustive policy. It’s better to come up with a few ideas that you feel confident with and spend time thinking through possible objections to them. 
• You don’t have to worry about answering all possible objections, but you should have some defense of why you think your idea would work. 
• Your suggestions should be things that schools could realistically implement.