Implementation: The Keys to Success   There are many activities that can increase the success of your technology program. Sometimes you need to think different. For example, lumberjacks think different by realizing that they need to reach beyond their woods to make money. Some are even telecommuting.   Revisit the Curriculum The key to technology integration is a focus on curriculum, not technology. Ask yourself. What are the required outcomes? What do we need to let go? Where should we focus our attention and how can technology help? Be realistic and focus on small steps such as adding one new element. Review how it went. Then, replicate the project. For simple ideas, check out Seven Simple Starters.   LumberJack Wisdom You need a plan for implementation. If you do not know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere. - Henry Kissinger   Lumberjack Menu Administrator's Role Technology Obstacles Teacher Needs Implementation Eduscapes Manage Time Time is the biggest excuse for not using technology. Ask yourself. What's the best use of time? Focus on matching curriculum and technology. Technology is not an "add-on", it's an integral part of the process. Combine content areas such as reading and art to make even better use of time and make learning more meaningful. For example, if you're reading the book Linnea in Monet's Garden. Use the web to locate more of the artist's works. Track teachers. Ask them what they think, need, and feel about technology.   LumberJack Wisdom Plan your course. It is not where you are today that counts. It is where you are headed.   Establish a vision. The distance a person goes is not as important as the direction.   Enjoy small successes. Success is a journey, not a destination. - Ben Sweetland   Professional development is the key. You manage things; you lead people. - Grace Murray Hopper   You need to set the bar high. Nobody rises to low expectations. - Calvin Lloyd Establish a Plan Planning is critical, but technology is only part of the overall plan. It should include technology, but also curriculum, professional development, infrastructure, hardware, software and technical support, funding, budget, monitoring, and evaluation. A good way to plan is by mapping your journey. Visualize your journey as you address your school's technology integration goals.   Professional development should be an integral part of your plan. Think about how you can link learning outcomes to available hardware and software, teacher training options, teacher learning opportunities, and teacher planning time. For example if you're teaching a unit on mythology, you student might read and discuss myths of many cultures. Retell a legend. Explore constellation myths. Compose a constellation myth. And, create a HyperStudio telling a myth.   The keys to a successful staff development program are immersion, transformation, inspiration, invention, experience-based, and curiosity. Ask yourself. Are we successful? Why or why not? Focus on curriculum and assessment for both students and teachers. Curriculum should drive technology integration. Focus on making the best use of time by crossing subjects and matching technology strategies with teaching and learning. Balance is the key to staff development. Think about how much training verus how much learning. Also, ask: is your professional development plan "learner(teacher)-centered"? The learning outcomes for faculty should not be software like PowerPoint, but team work, problem solving, decision making, and communicating. It's about quality technology, not quantity. You don't say you didn't use a pencil enough today, but you should say you didn't do enough creating today. Teachers should feel ownership of environment by sharing ideas, asking questions, and seeking connections. Teachers need to feel they have opportunities for growth and renewal. Synergy is also important. Teachers feel part of a team. A positive climate is one that is supportive of the teaching and learning environment. Technology should be used to address different learning styles. Seek out innovative ideas such as sharing, collaborating, and connecting technology to existing mandates and initiatives at your school.   Leadership Assessment Are you providing the leadership teachers need? Hang in there! The reality is that there's just no time and it's not a priority. Does it really matter? Yes. Plant a tree and watch it grow! Remember that the real technology issues aren't about hardware and software, they're about equity, access, and learning styles. Every teacher matters. Every child matters. Be a leader and advocate for technology. Lumberjack Menu Administrator's Role Technology Obstacles Teacher Needs Implementation Eduscapes Created by Annette Lamb, 02/01.