Franchising technology education: Issues and implications

Abstract

In a field that changes as rapidly as educational technology, instructors must be willing to accept and use technological training. Franchised programs have a strong motive for accepting and implementing new technology-profit. In the public sector, training is not always recognized as a part of doing business. Often seen as an “extra” to be completed in an instructor’s spare time, training can be limited or eliminated entirely. We believe that the trend toward site-based management and the growing presence of the private sector in educational technology focuses attention on using technology in education. It increases public awareness of the field and raises questions about the value of programs. This may force the public sector to become more accountable to the community it serves. The private sector has learned much from the public sector, perhaps it is our turn to return the favor.