Planning for Change - A Few Thoughts
Below are few ideas to consider when planning for the introduction of a technology-based innovation in educational settings.
Regarding Learners or Constituents:
- In what ways can this technological innovation enrich the learning experience for current learners or constituents?
- Which of the current learners or constituents might be most receptive to this technological innovation? Which of them might be least receptive to this technological innovation? Will this technological innovation turn away current learners? What additional supports or scaffolding might they need to become more successful learners?
- How might this technological innovation help reach additional or new learners or constituents?
Regarding the Institution or sponsoring organization:
- What is the organization’s vision for learning? What does the cultural landscape look like, especially regarding change and the implementation of new ideas?
- How does the use of the technological innovation fit with the purpose of the sponsoring institution or organization and further its goals?
- How does its use fit with the culture of the institution?
- How receptive will the current faculty, staff, and constituents be? How might this technological innovation attract new faculty, staff, and constituent members?
- What is needed to prepare stakeholders to utilize the technological innovation?
- What type of expertise is needed either in the institution or on a consultative basis to introduce and maintain this technological innovation? Who on staff already has some of the needed expertise? How can staff assist colleagues in adapting to this change (staff-to-staff professional development; mentoring; buddy system; student assisted professional development for the staff, etc.)
- What types of technical supports and other infrastructures are necessary to ensure success?
- What costs are involved, including start-up costs and ongoing maintenance?
- What will success look like and how will it be assessed? What types of benchmarks will be put in place to help identify successes and challenges?
- How will the organization use assessments and evaluations to further its vision and implementation?
What would you add to the list based on your experiences?