How to effectively implement instructional technology within public schools.

1. Steven M Baule
sbaule@cusd201.org

3. Arthur C Clarke’ s Third Law

4. The Witchdoctor Theory

5. Use Technology to Increase
Time and Space
 Melvil Dewey thought you could live
longer by doing more
 Virtual courses
 Online encyclopedias
 ATMs
 Adaptive testing
 Multiple modalities

6. Technology Needs to
Provide:
 More efficient operations (Higher
academic achievement)
 Electronic transcripts
 Daily progress reports (family access to
grades) at less cost
 More effective communication
• Website v. quarterly newsletter
 More time on task
 Virtual courses
 Online textbook support

7. Keys to Success
 Focus on student learning & the district’s
strategic needs
 Create a robust infrastructure
 e.g. Cataloging is to reference work as
networking is to student learning
 Adequate ongoing multi-level training
and support
 Review / revise / supervise / inspect

8. Support your Decisions with
Data
 Quantitative data is important
 How often / long is technology used
 Change in test scores / attendance rates
 Impact on family contacts
 Change in graduation rate / grade
distribution, etc.
 Qualitative data will often help seal the
deal

9. Model Good Behavior
 Be a role model for effective use of
technology
 Don’t have wires hanging out of every
pocket or purse
 Don’t get the reputation of being a “toy
guy (gal)”
 Implement / suggest new technologies only
when they provide a better way…
 “The superintendent does his own….”

10. Some Items to Consider
 NCLB / AYP – Illinois MAY be moving to
a growth model
 Response to Intervention
 Rise of quantitative data
 Economic future / limited tax growth
 Absolute need to educate beyond test
scores and statistics
 Rise of the Pacific Rim and India as
economic powerhouses (Did You Know, etc.)

11. Specific Steps from CUSD
201
 Ensure technology has a voice at the
table
 Create a reliable infrastructure
 Provide standardization of tools
 Support academic success
 Streamline administrative functions
 Review / revise / supervise / inspect

13. Questions