Lesson 9
David Garza
Undertake an Internet search of websites addressing issues of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of educational technology and share your findings via email with the class.
The Internet sites I found to be most interesting were:
This website was created by The National Center for Technology Planning (NCTP) and basically exchanges various types of information related to technology planning with any educational agency that needs help with technology planning. Agencies needing help with developing a cost effective technology plan, completing a unfinished technology plan, evaluating a current technology plan or implementing a technology plan might want to visit this site. NCTP conducts workshops, consults, and distributes technology related brochures and pamphlets all over the world.
http://www.tcet.unt.edu/tek-plan.htm
This website is The Texas Center for Educational Technology and it was created by the Texas Education Agency. It has a very good listing of technology planning resources on the web. TCET's focus is technology research, development, and evaluation. TCET promotes research and development collaboration between industry, education and communities so that technologies and applications can be produced and used in the public school system.
This website is from the Northeast Regional Technology in Education Consortium. This website also has a great listing of educational technology resources on the web. These websites provide information on assessing school/system technology needs, selecting, funding, installing, and implementing technology, developing school connectivity and infrastructure.
Develop your own particular position on technology as an effective instructional tool and share your perspectives.
I feel that instruction that is provide over the Internet or any other advanced communication technology can be cost effective and valuable if the instructional program has: clear instructional goals and objectives; identified learner characteristics; easy access to technology and familiarity with technology for students and instructor; and effective formative and summative evaluations. There can be many cost effective benefits for students/educational providers when instructional on-line programs are carefully planned and designed. For example, students can save on travel time and travel related expenses and once instruction is created, educational providers can save time and money when providing instruction. Carefully planned and delivered on-line instruction must be cost effective and valuable to meet the needs of a ever growing diverse student population.