Running head: EDUCATIONAL REPORT ETEC 6223

Educational Report ETEC 6223 Strategic Planning Nelson B. Brock University of Arkansas

Educational Report ETEC 6223 Abstract The final project for ETEC 6223 Strategic Planning in IDT Programs involved guiding a non-profit organization or school through a strategic planning process involving the area of technology. I chose my school, Chaffin Junior High, to develop a strategic technology plan. This course along with the instructor provided step-by-step guidance in learning how to implement various elements into the strategic planning process. Beginning with the initial assessment phase we determined where we were in technology use. We wrote technology vision and mission statements. A technology needs assessment was conducted and analyzed. The final product consisted of a 3-year technology action plan that would address the needs of implementing a process for training faculty and staff members to be proficient in the use of new computer operating systems and emerging teaching tools.

Educational Report ETEC 6223

Project Description This project consisted of developing a process to implement a technology plan for Chaffin Junior High. Through the mini projects that were conducted week after week a comprehensive strategic technology plan was developed that would target the needs of the faculty and staff in regards to their professional development. Those needs for training were for specific software (Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010) due to recent technology upgrades. A vision team was formed to begin the planning process. A technology vision plan for the faculty and staff of Chaffin Junior High addressed technology used for tasks, teaching, and communication. Stakeholders were identified as faculty and staff of Chaffin Junior High (primary), students and parents of CJH (secondary), and administration of Chaffin and Fort Smith School District (third level). Questions were identified and prioritized to effectively evaluate where the school was at in terms of technology. An inventory of hardware/software was obtained to answer questions about infrastructure. A resource list was constructed and consisted of both current and potential financial resources, equipment, and human resources. A survey was conducted with faculty and staff to determine their use of technology in the classroom and their confidence level in using technology in the classroom. Two possible indicators were identified as possible areas to be addressed during the strategic planning process. It was determined that professional development would enable and equip the faculty and staff to implement technology strategies in the teaching, record keeping, and

Educational Report ETEC 6223 communication. A R-C-D survey was given to the faculty and staff to help indicate their training needs. Three categories of needs were identified from this survey: 1. Professional development in using technology teaching tools effectively in the classroom. 2. Professional development in day-to-day operations at Chaffin Junior High for faculty and staff in using technology for communications, word processing, and record keeping. 3. Professional development in infusing technology into the curriculum for all students. The Needs Assessment Committee prioritized the needs above using a Paired-Weighting Procedure. This prioritized list help the Strategic Planning Committee to develop a 3Year Tech Action Plan. This concluded the initial strategic planning project, but as with all plans evaluation is a continual part of the implementation of the plan. As this plan is carried out modifications or additions may be needed.

The reason I included this project as a part of my e-Portfolio was that it met many of the standards set forth by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). I believe this project is evidence that I can communicate with and lead a group to assess their needs, create a vision, evaluate their resources, determine their action plan, and produce a working strategic plan document. I learned many techniques and skills throughout this process that has helped me to become a better strategist and a leader in strategic planning.

Educational Report ETEC 6223 Program Identification Standard #4: Management 4.4 Implement and Manage Various Delivery Systems of Instructional Technology As a result of the Strategic Planning Process for Chaffin Junior High Technology I was able to help implement a training opportunity that instructed teachers in the effective use of instructional delivery systems. One system that I have used for over six years is the Interwrite Mobi Tablet, which uses Interwrite Workspace. There have been

many new versions of the software and teachers need to be updated on the latest changes. Some changes are subtle and others cause a major shift in how the software is used. This training was conducted this past spring. Our principal assisted in scheduling a workshop that consisted of six classes for teachers to rotate. An experienced teacher for a particular instructional technology tool facilitated each station. I was happy to encourage and motivate the teachers in using these instructional tools. Many of these tech tools have been purchased in the last couple of years with the federal stimulus money and I believe teachers should be using the tools they have been provided. Another tech delivery system that I have had the privilege to implement in my classes is netbooks for each student in my class. I assign a netbook for a student station and the student is responsible for its use while they are in the class. I deliver instruction both in whole group setting and individually using the netbooks. Students are able to use the Internet for research and preparation of projects assigned in class. We have eight teachers in our building who use a class set of netbooks and more teachers are planning to use them in the future. Our media center recently acquired a set of 30 iPads for student

Educational Report ETEC 6223 use. This will strengthen our technology inventory by providing students with the latest instructional technology tools.

The switch over this past year of our new computers and operating systems was a success. By using the SurveyMonkey questionnaire during the strategic planning process we were able to assess what the immediate needs of the teachers were for the transition. According to the survey they believed they needed training on the new Windows 7 operating system and Microsoft Office 2010. We were able to conduct a training session for these subjects soon after all of the new computers were in place. I occasionally assist other teachers with questions about the systems and assist them with some hardware arrangements, but for the most part the transition has been smooth.

Standard #5: Evaluation 5.2 Identify and Implement Learning Measurements or Assessment Instruments A vision-casting meeting was held to see where we wanted to go. Vision and mission statements were written to determine where we needed to go. During the vision-casting meeting committee members were asked to write down what should be included in a vision statement. After that we wrote a technology evaluation that included specific prioritized questions to ask where we need to direct our strategic planning. A technology inventory was taken to see what hardware/software currently existed in the building. A Delphi survey was written and sent to all faculty and staff to gather their perceptions of the current technology and its use at Chaffin Junior High. A resource list of current and potential resources was written. A Technology Needs Assessment was used to get a better idea of what professional development would be of greatest impact.

Educational Report ETEC 6223 A PWP (Paired-Weighting Procedure) was used to prioritize the needs as determined by the needs assessment. Finally a 3-year technology action plan was developed. This document will be used to continually evaluate the strategic plan and allow for possible

modifications. One assessment that was scheduled to be used during the 3-year plan was a Fault-Tree Analysis Schedule to evaluate if there are any pitfalls to the plan and make adjustments accordingly. Also SWOT evaluations were used during this planning process. 5.3 Develop an Assessment Plan to Show Evidence of Problem or Opportunity for Growth Many assessments were used throughout this strategic planning process. A technology evaluation was conducted to assess what the faculty and staff perceived to be the greatest needs for improvement in the area of technology. Questions were asked in different ways to help verify respondents perceptions. Besides a perceptions survey an inventory of current hardware/software helped to focus on the scope of the planning process. After a technology needs assessment was conducted to determine the needs of the faculty and staff, a plan was developed to address those needs. 5.4 Develop a Long-range Plan for the Advancement of Technology A 3-year Technology Action Plan was developed for Chaffin Junior High that takes into the account of staff and faculty concerns and perceptions of technology that is used or should be used at Chaffin. Professional development activities will be planned and conducted to target these concerns and deficiencies that are determined to exist through careful evaluations. By making the faculty and staff more aware of the

Educational Report ETEC 6223 technology integration in our building a greater sense of technology adaptability can be fostered.

Educational Reflection As this course progressed throughout the semester I kept asking myself, When will we get to the plan? About half way I realized that the strategic planning process in itself was the plan. Each component that I worked on was a crucial part in developing the overall technology plan that was eventually developed and published as a 3-Year Technology Plan document. Two possible things can happen with such a document. It can be filed on a shelf (never to be seen again) or kept in a place to be referenced from time to time to see where the organization is in regards to the proposed place it intended to be. The document allows for assessment, evaluation, and possible modification when the need arises. Throughout the planning process I learned many valuable lessons in communication, assessment, evaluation, inventories, and data gathering instruments. The different names given to some of the assessment or evaluation techniques were sometimes comical to me. Names such as Fish-bone, SWOT, and Organic planning were foreign to me until I actually studied the components of those techniques and gained a better understanding of their uses as well as the meaning of the name. I believe that by going through this process I have gained a greater understanding of the intricacies of a strategic planning process. I find myself at times now thinking back over different strategies used during my studies from this course. I know now that

Educational Report ETEC 6223 when I am ask to participate or lead a strategic planning process I will be more informed and prepared to step up to the task.