The federal government could improve the management of the radio spectrum or could apportion a certain amount of bandwidth for education. B. Technical and Design Issues Panelists from trailblazing schools stressed the need for careful and holistic planning before making major infrastructure investments. The aim is to develop a plan that is flexible and open-ended enough to allow for growth, attentive to the needs of all students and teachers, yet affordable enough to start implementing in the near term. Failure to plan can result in costly duplications or immediate obsolescence. Schools also have to be willing to modify and update their plans as they confront the unexpected or acquire new information.
Versatility is an important feature in system design.
A plan that calls for multipurpose equipment is more likely to keep up with rapid changes in technology and applications than single-purpose purchases. Experts also suggested designing systems with the classroom, rather than a technology lab, as the basic unit. These included focusing intensive support on a small number of model projects that will serve as beacons to others, developing widespread understanding of basic technology concepts among as many teachers as possible, creating a cadre of local experts, and handing off support and management roles to other organizations when the program is ready to expand. Possible State and Local Strategies for Designing Infrastructure Seeking advice . Businesses with experience in technology can make suggestions about how to design infrastructure and systems.