Bill MacKenty

Technology strengthens, deepens, and broadens our learning...

A $400.00 lightbulb - part 3 (final)

Part 1 here and part 2 here.

Technology in education is very expensive - especially when we account personnel, licensing, and legacy equipment costs. If we focus on student learning and take advantage of many exceptional free services technology can become less expensive and arguably, more effective. If you want to get all business-speak about it, technology in education should be really, really agile.

It’s not a simple formula.

The effective application of technology in education is a nuanced thing. Effective system administration, centralized user data, robust and reliable networks, well managed and sensible security, correct technical support, pedagogical in-class support, clear and strong administrative direction, wise financial management, and clear thinking all play a critical role in a successful educational technology program.

So considering this, is it worth it? My answer is: it depends. If your school is willing to put in the mental muscle, time, and funding, technology can play a genuinely important role in student learning.