In the early days of technology use in education, most technology planning efforts focused primarily on acquiring computers. Planning for technology meant deciding how many computers to purchase, of what type, and where they would go. Another change since the early days of educational technology is the realization that simply bringing technology into the classroom will not cause profound educational change, and may not even result in changes which the community would interpret as worth the investment. You've also discovered that simply providing opportunities to work on computers does not provide our children with the preparation they will need to succeed in the twenty-first century. To really have an impact on educational outcomes, technology implementation needs to be accompanied by changing attitudes and changing structures.
Information technology is a cost-effective investment only in the context of systemic reform.
Planning, Investigation, and Experimentation. As in corporate America, schools go through an initial stage of planning and experimentation in which a few educators begin using technology in new ways. These individuals become technology proponents. Initial Capital Investments. Once the school or district is convinced of the value of educational technology, initial investments are made to bring technology into the school.