Planning Ahead for Technology
Catherine Cantrell, Technology Specialist, Northwest Regional Literacy Resource Center
The Dilemma
Have you ever been presented with the problem of having to choose software for your basic skills or ESL program but only having until the end of the week to make all of your decisions and purchases? You want to be able to acquire software that will merest students and teach the appropriate skills, but you don't have the time to make those kinds of inquiries.
Whether or not you have been faced with this situation, it is wise to plan before selecting appropriate technology for your program should you face a sudden windfall. The best way to have good technology-based materials that will compliment your literacy program is to make a technology plan before you have the money to spend.
The first step in developing a technology plan is to determine what the educational goals of your program are. At this point it is best not to think in terms of software. Take some time to reflect and write down your program's mission, values and educational goals. These might include cooperative learning, contextualized learning, whole language, honoring diversity, parenting content or a workplace focus. Writing these down now will be helpful when you are evaluating software and applying for technology grants.
Decide how the technology will be used once it is purchased. You'll need to consider just how it will be integrated into the curriculum. For instance, some computer software programs are drill and practice. These programs are useful for reinforcing skills taught elsewhere. Other programs are process based. They introduce, reinforce and build on new skills. Different literacy programs will find each of these types of software programs useful. Note whether it will be best for learners to work with the computers on their own or in a group and decide how much time will be devoted to computer-aided instruction.
This is also a good time to decide what other technologies should be incorporated into your technology plan. If you simply want software that will drill new vocabulary for ESL students, record their voice and play it back, you should consider cheaper technology such as a Language Master from Bell & Howell instead.
Next, determine what equipment and software you already have. Take the time to write an inventory for all of the computers, peripherals, software and other technology you already have. Make note of those programs so that your new purchases will offer different learning opportunities or skills practice.
Basic skills programs that are a part of a larger institution frequently get hand-me-down computers. You might decide that upgrading computers is a priority over buying new software if a lab full of 2X6 IBM compatibles is not part of your technology vision. Very little new software is being developed for Apple IIe computers while much is being developed in CD ROM. Obtaining new computers or CD drives could be the best decision for your program at the beginning. Knowing what you have before shopping for software is essential. Equally important is having a vision of the ideal for your program.
Once you have identified the different ways software can be used in your program and you know what hardware and software you have, it is finally time to begin to look at software. Start by looking for software reviews in journals and newsletters such as CAELL Journal (503-346-4414) and Athelstan Newsletter (713-523-2837). Check out the 1994 ESL Technology User's Guide and the 1996 Software Buyer's Guide from the Northwest Regional Literacy Resource Center (800-238-1234). Talk to other people who are in similar literacy programs and who use technology effectively.
When you have found some titles that sound like they fit, call the publisher and ask for a preview copy. Do not settle for a demonstration version; it is important to see the entire software program. Most reputable companies will allow you to preview the actual program for thirty days. It is necessary to see the entire software program before purchasing because a demonstration version cannot give a complete picture. Remember, demos are the company's advertisement of the product.
From your technology plan make a checklist of features that will compliment your educational setting and that are important to your program. Then use that checklist while you are looking at the software. Add to this list other important criteria for evaluating software. Such a criteria list was published in the Spring 1995 edition of Developments. Some of the items to look for in quality software for literacy programs include adult content, lack of cultural bias, privacy for users (no loud bells and whistles) and interesting and appropriate graphics. Add these items to your list.
Other considerations for the checklist are training time and cost. Teachers, tutors and learners will need to be trained to use the software. Note in your plan how much time you are willing to have them spend on training. Unfortunately, cost will continue to be a consideration. Think about how it will affect your decisions. Don't count anything out because of cost, but make it a category on your list and make a decision about how to deal with it.
Take time to get to know the software you are evaluating. Thirty-day previews allow instructors the opportunity to try out the software in several sessions. An evaluator will get a better idea of the effectiveness of the software if a couple of students get the opportunity to try it as well. Use your checklist during the evaluation an on-going process as you discover new software and new program needs.
Occasionally funding for technology becomes available without much effort while other times you have to work rather hard for it. Think of creative ways to meet some of your early goals. Find out if there are unused computers somewhere in your organization or whether or not there are organizations around that might donate used computers and software. Applying for technology grants is a good source of funds. If you have this technology plan ready when you hear about a grant, writing for that grant will be much easier. You will be able to say specifically how technology will fit into your literacy program and what you need to accomplish your goals. And you will begin to make your technology vision a reality.
In order to use technology effectively, you need to have a plan that is consistent with your program's mission, values and vision. Making choices about software programs and other technologies is a matter of seeing how they fit into your program. Having done all the necessary preparation before the funding becomes available will ensure that you make the best last minute purchasing decisions.
