Assume you are a teacher who would like to address a technology issue at your school. Many of the students' textbooks provide Web links for engaging enrichment activities. Each classroom has five computers, but there is only one computer connected to the Internet per room, and the computers are all at least five years old. Your peers, students, and their parents all support your desire to increase Internet access in the classroom for instructional purposes. What would you have to do to increase Internet access? List the steps you would have to take and/or who you would have to contact in order to have this change take place in the classrooms at your school. Be sure to address each level that would need to be involved within the administrative structure. Can someone help me with some ideas and solutions?
1. Begin with your Department Chair.
2. Next, the administration. (Usually a vicepresident is in charge of several departments, before you can approach the principal)
3. After that the District, the Superintendent, the Board.
4. You will also want to enlist the support of the parents because they will attend the Board Meetings.
Ulimately it is the school district that will determine whether or not there funds and if it is a priority.
Sra
Make sure you DON'T structure your case so that it seems you're saying that without the Internet, your students won't learn anything. Technology and the Internet are good tools, but without good reading and thinking skills, the tools are almost worthless.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/04/education/04laptop.html?_r=1
There are others like this, and you can find them via Google if you search. The point is, you don't want to "put all your eggs in one basket," so to speak. Make sure you include the idea that technology and Internet access is not the be-all and end-all for academic success.
To address the technology issue and increase Internet access in the classrooms at your school, you would need to follow the steps below. These steps outline the necessary actions and contacts to involve at each administrative level:
1. Identify the issue and gather support:
- Clearly articulate the need for increased Internet access for instructional purposes.
- Engage with your peers, students, and parents to gather support for the proposed change.
- Discuss the benefits of improved Internet access, such as access to online resources and interactive learning opportunities.
2. Approach your immediate supervisor or department head:
- Consult with your immediate supervisor or department head to discuss the issue and propose solutions.
- Explain the benefits of increased Internet access and how it aligns with the goals of the school.
- Seek their support and guidance on how to move forward.
3. Present the proposal to the school administration:
- Prepare a formal proposal outlining the need for increased Internet access in the classrooms.
- Highlight the potential impact on student learning outcomes and engagement.
- Include cost estimates, if applicable, for upgrading the computers or increasing connectivity.
4. Involve the district-level administrators:
- If the administration at your school supports the proposal, escalate it to the district-level administrators.
- Schedule a meeting or presentation to discuss the benefits of increased Internet access and seek their approval.
- Provide any additional information they might need, such as the number of classrooms and potential costs.
5. Collaborate with the district's IT department:
- Coordinate with the district's IT department to assess the current infrastructure and capacity for increased Internet access.
- Discuss potential solutions, such as upgrading the existing computers or adding more devices.
- Seek their expertise to determine the most cost-effective and efficient way to improve Internet access.
6. Identify funding sources:
- Explore possible funding sources, such as grants, district budgets, or community partnerships.
- Research technology-related grants that could support your initiative.
- Present funding options to the district-level administrators and seek their guidance on the best approach.
7. Implement the changes and monitor progress:
- Once approval and funding are secured, work with the IT department and relevant personnel to implement the changes.
- Upgrade the computers or add new devices as required.
- Ensure that all classrooms have sufficient Internet access with reliable connectivity.
- Monitor the progress and collect feedback to assess the impact of increased Internet access on learning outcomes.
Throughout this process, it is essential to maintain open communication with all stakeholders, seek their input and feedback, and address any concerns or questions they may have. This collaborative approach will increase the likelihood of success in implementing the desired changes.