Two types of schools...

Where the buck stops is a good question, but ultimately, I think that there is a need for someone to be considered "the" technology leader, and in most cases, it won’t-can’t-shouldn’t be the superintendent.

I know there are many ill-conceived technology integrations across the state, as well as great ideas but implemented exactly backwards to best practices. However, there are now so many of these types of integrations that it might just be the new way of doing business. So instead of standing on the sidelines or trying to get out of the way (to avoid blame, etc.) those best positioned to understand the tech and its roll in education need to step up to the plate and provide some survival mechanisms to do the best with what the situation presents.

While I can certainly understand running from potential train wrecks, after enough crashes, one starts to wonder who is running the railroad. With all the hardware thrown at problems (whether real or perceived), the situation is begging for solutions, and solutions, as Einstein observed, will not likely come from the same minds that caused the problem in the first place.

Since it is obvious that integrations are now being launched without traditional proper planning, then we should look for the cause of this change in order to understand why it’s happening. And then look for positive solutions to make the best of the situation.

Sudden iPad integration is a country-wide phenomenon, and the push-back from instructional technologists is also a common reaction. But just as widespread is the push forward from pro-educational technology groups and organizations, let alone vendors. 

Instead of fighting or blame storming, ed tech leaders need to consolidate solutions to bring out the best in what the integration can offer regardless of its flaws. 

There are probably two types of school districts right now. Those that have had a sudden and loosely planned influx of iPads, and those that will have a sudden and loosely planned influx of iPads.

You must have followers to be a leader.

Hi All,

I think editorials such as the one under discussion are both wake-up calls, and evidence of the failure of tech leadership.

(http://online.qmags.com/TJL0912/default.aspx?pg=2&mode=1#pg2&mode1)

Two of the reasons iPads are bought en mass and distributed, often with less planning than the day’s hot lunch menu, is because the iPad is easy to understand and is sexy. Those qualities make it easy to talk about, and easy to drop-ship into classrooms.

So while it is fun to bash spontaneous iPad integrations, it should really be cause for some serious introspection from tech directors. So rather than trying to stop integrations, tech directors should be moving to the forefront of the integrations forcing the issues of teaching, learning, pedagogy, and yes, device management across the existing infrastructure.

We know that a significant amount of tech will appear regardless of the presence of district tech personnel in the decision-making. So think about this. Who, exactly, should the enthusiastic masses turn to when they want to integrate iPads? Especially when there is a donor or funding source at the ready.

Like it or not, the animosity between wide-eyed teachers and grounded tech directors is growing. And the iPad is simply a catalyst just as the Internet, the laptop and class websites have been in the past. The iPad is just more obvious.

Here is another article from THE Journal. For me, this kind of story is infinitely more helpful then an opinion piece that offers problems, but no solutions except to "Stop."

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2012/09/12/using-ipads-with-mixed-ability-students-teachers-must-give-up-some-control.aspx?=THEMOB&p=1

If "stop" is the message of tech leaders, then their days as leaders are numbered.