Selection of microcomputers and related technology for school use

"What are the considerations that technology specialists should use when selecting educational technology?"

Overview of the process:

1. Brainstorm a master LIST of digital educational technologies that might be found in schools
2. In groups, make a list of the considerations that go into the decision to choose one brand or model over another for educational purposes
3. Combine the list of considerations to create a "master list" of considerations relevant to the selection of educational technologies.

STEP 1: Brainstorm a master LIST of digital educational technologies that might be found in schools

1. Spend 5 minutes making a list on a piece of paper (or in Word) of all the digital educatoinal technoogies that you have seen or might see in a school setting.
2. As a whole class, we will combine our lists to create a master list. (Here is a list.)

STEP 2: In groups, make a list of the considerations that go into the decision to choose one brand or model over another for educational purposes

1. Break up into groups of 3.
2. Each group of 3 will take 3 digital educational technologies and research the consderations that might go into choosing among brands and models for that technology.
3. Use some of the web sites listed below to help you in the search for considerations. (Some of the websites include tools for comparing products; what are the considerations that go into those comparisons?)
4. Create 3 separate lists, one for each digital educational technology you have been assigned.
5. Use the course message board (at http://my.nl.edu and then click on My Courses and TIE 532) to post your list of considerations.

   Resources

   http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1738,22,00.asp

   http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/index/0,00.asp

   http://www.epinions.com/elec

   http://shopper.cnet.com/

   http://www.pricegrabber.com/

   http://www.bizrate.com/

   http://www.mysimon.com/?tag=ft

    

STEP 3: Combine the list of considerations to create a "master list" of considerations relevant to the selection of educational technologies.

1. Read the messages from the other groups.
2. As a whole group, create a master list of considerations.
3. Consider whether considerations remain that are not on the list.
4. Prioritize the list into categories: Always Critical; Often Critical, Sometimes Critical, Rarely Critical; Never Critical.
5. Use the list to help you with the Purchase of Computers for My School assignment due next week.