Standardization

Standardization
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 * Hello! I agree with standardizing as many things as possible for a variety of reasons. Of course, there can always be exceptions to the rule depending on the circumstances. However, standardization does increase the efficiency of troubleshooting and maintaining technology. If the county tends to use the same software or hardware, then teachers who travel between buildings or transfer to another school in the county are already familiar with what is in place. The county may also receive a significant discount for buying in bulk, whether you're talking about subscriptions for software programs or technology devices. When something isn't working right, there will be more than one person who can fix it. In addition, if a teacher buys something that isn't "standard" within the county, that software/hardware doesn't go with them if they no longer work in that building. What happens then? The teacher who takes over that job may not use it because they don't know how, there is no one to show them, or they prefer yet a different software/hardware. That money has now been wasted. It is important to device what software/hardware will work best to suit most people's needs before it becomes the standard. This can be achieved through researching other school districts and offering pilot programs. Those are my thoughts on standardization. ~ Jen Martin***

(Zaben) I also agree that standardization in general is a very good idea; Jen made several excellent points in her post, most notably to me that individually-acquired technology would eventually be left without an operator. I think it's important to keep in mind, however, that standardizing everything would be counter-productive to training students in using technology; they should be exposed to many different types of hardware and software so that they can begin understanding the overarching similarities between the various technologies that they will have to use throughout their lives. Perhaps the best way to address this would be with a mandatory technology class for all 8th or 9th grade students; that may be a long-term, big-picture solution, but I can't help but think that we are headed in that direction. (Zaben)

We also need to look at the needs of the students when considering standardization. I am always wary using a "one size fits all" approach. The needs of students can vary school to school and even classroom to classroom. - Diane

I think standardization for our schools. As we look at school and county needs it make sense to pilots programs to see if what they offer truly would work with our students. I also think that schools need to be reminded about our software implementaion plan so that we can get the most with our money as well prepare our tech department about what is going on in our schools. As we look at this we do need to keep in mind what Diane said that one size will not fit all.