As part of a job application I was asked to write a one page "vision
statement" about the use of technology in the district. It really needs
several pages and a week or two; however, here I some of the things I
would like to see happen.

The School Division has a good reputation for integrating technology
into the curriculum. I would expect the division to build on the
existing practices.

Collaborative
The widespread use if information and communication technology will
require the participation of all members of the school community. Thus
any initiatives will be meet the needs of the participants. Further, if
grassroots participation is desired, administration at all levels will
need to ensure initiatives are supported with recognition and
resources. Successful initiatives will need to be shared so others can
benefit. Sharing will be part of the district culture and formal and
informal frameworks will be used to facilitate the process. As well
students and teachers need to participate in learning communities.
Locally, parents and the community at large need to be involved in
creating learning opportunities and identifying technological needs and
resources. Online communities not only provide learning material and
software they communicate the values of participation, creating, and
sharing knowledge. Wikipedia is an excellent example of this.

Student Centered Learning
The opportunities presented by information technology will be used to
create authentic assignments and assessments that are tailored to the
students’ needs and interests. Particularly for writing there are
numerous opportunities to prepare material for sharing with peers and
others. Also, where appropriate technology will be used to automate the
assessment process.

Instructional Materials Online
As a matter of course, teachers and students will use learning material
that is freely available online. Pedagogically, instructional material
will up to date and appropriate for each student. Students, teachers,
and the community will collaborate to identify and creating learning
resources. The creation of learning materials provides the
opportunities for authentic assignments. Creating an entry for
Wikipedia is a real task not make a work assignment. Fiscally, free is
affordable.

Open Source Software
The division will rely primarily on Open Source software. The change
over will slow and voluntary (see collaborative). The process could
start by using Open Source software in computer courses. In addition to
students being taught how to use Open Source software, advanced
assignments could include evaluations of Open Source and commercial
software. Open Source will spread on its own if grassroots initiatives
to use it are supported. In any event, there is no justification for
spending education dollars on proprietary software when Open Source
software can be used to meet educational objectives. Even if all of the
cost savings are spent on technical support, resources to support
instruction are increased.

- posted by Larry @ 1:55 p.m.