Can you balance the equation: effective implementation + school change = integrated technology tools?

Abstract

Schools have not implemented technology applications as rapidly as many educators had hoped and forecast in the late 1980’s. This is largely because successful integration requires effective implementation strategies. This paper compares four implementation efforts: IBM Model Schools Project Phase I and Phase II, the Alhambra Model Technology Schools Project and Henry Becker’s national survey data of 45 exemplary computer using educators. The paper recommends that policy makers consider five groups of implementation strategies which will assist teachers in creating, developing and integrating technology tools: time for planning and developing technology tool applications, an on-site support team, access to sufficient hardware and software, a focus on curriculum and instruction issues, and appropriate staff development.