The district cannot reasonably expect teachers to incorporate technology into their teaching methods without dedicating funds to ensure success. Studies in other states have reached similar conclusions. In Texas, an Apple Computers analyst told the review team that the ideal district devotes one third of its instructional technology funds to training and two thirds to computer hardware and software purchases.
Employee training is essential for successful implementation of technology.
It helps teachers and staff accept the technology more readily, and gives them the understanding needed to benefit from computers and software applications. To put these training budgets in perspective, the allocation for each employee or for each teacher could buy one PC training class, generally preparing the employee to turn on the computer and access a software program. It would not even provide the employee with basic word processing skills. One way the district spends its technology funds on teacher training is through the Summer Technology Institute. The Institute is intended to develop a cadre of teachers called Technology Champions who can then lead campus-based staff development sessions during the school year.