Predictions are based upon trends.  A vision is a statement about a desirable future.

Click here for Word version of Sample Survey Instrument of Faculty Opinion about the Future.

Click here for PDF version.

Vision statements tell others about the kind of world we want to build.  Mission statements tell others the business we are in.

• Identify two or three issues or topics and make those the priorities of your tenure.
• It is necessary to be persistent - even stubborn.
• Recruit faculty who understand technology and who will become allies.
• The dean or department chair must create incentives to influence the way faculty and staff use their energies.
• Raise funds to pay for technology and/or find faculty to write grant proposals.
• Be the principal cheerleader for those who are providing technology leadership.

A good technology plan is an educational plan.  It states the vision and mission of the SCDE and indicates how the vision will be accomplished through technology.

Click here for Word Version of Technology Planning Worksheet.

Click here for PDF version

There are no hard and fast rules of infrastructure - largely because it is an area that changes so fast.  What is important is that a SCDE needs to employ individuals whose skill and responsibility are to keep the dean or department chair informed of the opportunities technology provides, to appoint a technology advisory committee that can provide guidance for selection among the opportunities, and to set aside funds in the budget to keep the SCDE abreast of rapid changes in the technology industry as these changes affect teacher education.

• Indiana State University ITAC
• Wichita State University Technology Committee

Technology is neutral; it can be used to support the status quo or to stimulate change.  Modern information technology contains the power and capacity to perform tasks that are not easily done if one is limited to printed texts and face-to-face instruction.

The institution suffers when faculty are not competent in the use of technology; thus the SCDE has an interest in promoting and supporting technology competence.

The cost of becoming technology-competent is not trivial, but the long-term cost of not doing so is even greater.  Some portion of the funds necessary to support technology must be found within the operating budget.  External funds can also be used to support the costs of technology.

The vast amounts of money and resources that are being invested in technology is leading to requests for information about how SCDEs are spending their money on technology and what they are getting in return.