Librarian Philosopher

I have written about how I think a technology rollout should occur. I suggested that there are two key components to a successful technology rollout: 1) let Librarians have the technology first to demonstrate its use in such a way that all teachers see it in use; 2) give first the technology to those who wish to have the technology in exchange for training on the technology. The Librarian is then a built-in mentor for the use of the technology. As the technology catches on at the campus the resisters become swayed to adapt the technology. At the end, the only ones not enthusiastically using the technology stand out and can be dealt with in a separate way.

However, occasionally there are good reasons to implement technology to everyone at the same time without going through stages as listed above. In that case there are some very specific steps that need to be taken to assure as successful a rollout as possible.

Have a technology rollout team that includes those who will provide and support the technology, and those who will use it. The team needs to meet regularly as they plan the rollout. Involve all representatives of the stockholder groups. Have meetings on each campus with the principal, technology person, and Librarian. Have a pilot with a debriefing afterwards before the next pilot. Constantly revise the plan. Basically this is a spiral or iterative process of thinking, planning, testing, reviewing, and back to thinking and planning again.

We are currently in the middle of rollout a laptop for each teacher. This project has had two pilots that went well thanks to very many people. First, a thanks to our superintendent for the vision and our Board for the decision. Then thanks to our Technology Service folks who have done a great job in trying to figure out how to remove old computers from desks and place new computers into teachers’ hands with training and without interrupting instruction. One of the best things the Technology Services Department has done is to involve some educators (Library Information Services Department and Educational Technology Department) to give them a gauge as to how the ideas they think up might be perceived and received by the end user.

As expected, we are finding teachers who cannot wait for the laptops and those who want to keep their old desktop computers that can barely run Windows 98. Understanding that not every one will be pleased in a top down, all at once, rollout is critical. However, we continue to figure out how we can give the teachers as much value for as little effort on their part as possible.

If anyone has other suggestions as to how to insure a successful technology rollout, I would love to hear them.

Thanks