Questions to ask before you buy

This is an excerpt from an article I've written entitled Gadgets, gizmos and goals:Questions to ask before you buy.

Questions to consider:

How does this technology support your long term vision of classroom learning? Do you have a clear, shared vision of what learning can and should look like two to five years from now? If not, then start here.

Are we talking about participation or presentation? Most of my observations uncover technology used by teachers for presentation, old school methodology, new delivery vehicle, same results.
Is this engaging the teachers or the students? Teacher productivity tools notwithstanding most technology should be engaging students in real life, project based work.

Do you have a plan to measure the engagement factors and student learning gains? This is your return on investment (ROI) and you need a plan. And yes, it is possible.

Can it be done with web 2.0 tools or other software resources? Hardware is expensive and is outdated in six months. Can your learning goals and activities be supported with group computing devices and free web tools?

Is it supported by the vendor and the district? Not all technologies work the same on any network so beware the hidden issues (see current Apple license issues for further explanation, their fault not ours).

Is it sustainable? What is the replacement cycle? How do these purchases impact future budgets?
Do you have a professional development plan for both teachers and students? Ouch, how do we keep making this mistake?

And finally, how will you pilot it before making a big commitment? Interested in IPads? Have you thoroughly answered the above questions with wide stakeholder input? Great, then make a plan for acquiring some and trying them out first. Then, and only then should you expand the program and make the spend.