Activity+8+Reflection+on+Technology+Purchasing+Recommendations

Reflection on Technology Purchasing Recommendations May 26, 2010
====As the unofficial “Tech Person” at my school, my principal asked me to make recommendations for new document cameras and projectors for our school site. We had a budget and I needed to order 3 sets for classrooms.==== ====The first thing I needed to do was get a bit of an education in the different specifications for the projectors. It has been my experience that the projectors are a bigger factor in usability than the cameras. There were some projectors we had that I did not like, and I didn’t want to get any more of those. There was another model we had that was since discontinued that we were very pleased with. So I wanted to get the specs for those models such as lumens, output etc.==== ====Now I actually had a benchmark for the units I needed to buy. I just needed to find some units that were within budget, met those specs, and were well rated by users. Thank you web 2.0 and buyer comments on the websites.==== ====It was interesting that I was doing this during the class EDLD 5365 on Web Design. Some of the sites I visited were truly abysmal. All the components we had been learning about like search functions, easy navigation, etc. were missing from many of those e-commerce sites (Kaiser, 2006). I don’t know if these companies could survive outside of the educational market.I kept thinking that no one that had a choice would use any of them!====

**Self-Assessment**
====I wanted to find the best equipment I could given the budget I was given. I used the specifications of the equipment we had as a benchmark. I had to learn about the user satisfaction, reliability, and features of the different projectors and document readers. I used this technical information along with my own experience to inform my purchasing recommendations.====

**Learn as a Learner**
====In these times of shrinking budgets, I wanted to get the best mix of value and durability. I think I accomplished the goal. The principal took my recommendations and so far the teachers are happy with the equipment. I asked teachers what they liked about the equipment they had. I also interacted with people via web 2.0 and user ratings.====

**Lifelong Learning Skills**
====I enjoy being part of the budget process and making purchasing decisions. That may be because I have seen so many poor decisions, at least to my way of thinking, of technology acquisitions. I have found barely used piles of discarded electronics, that were never really implemented, even when new. I will continue to get input from the end users of any technology I have a hand in purchasing. It goes back to the idea of looking at technology holistically and how it improves the instructional program. It is not an acquisition for it’s own sake. I will continue to stay current on educational technology options using resources like Digital Directions, published by Education Week.====

**Implementation of ISTE Indicators**
====TF-VII.B.7: “Describe and identify recommended specifications for purchasing technology systems in school settings” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p.238). I recommended specific technology for use in the classroom.====

Kaiser, S.E. (2006). Deliver first class websites: 101 essential checklists. Collingwood, Vic: Sitepoint
====Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards:What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education====