Tech Pilot?

I advocate for tech pilots when it comes to new software and tools?

A tech pilot is a way to test the waters with new tools before purchasing or making the tool a mainstay in your curriculum program.

There are many ways to go about a tech pilot, and I advocate for the following steps.

1. The teacher tries out the tool.  The teacher plays around with the tools thinking about how it might contribute to the overall classroom, and making sure it meets the system-wide protocols and laws related to tech use.  I do this all the time with new tools, and usually can quickly determine if a tools has merit.
2. Next, the students play with the tool.  They too are quite savvy when it comes to using tech, and by observing the students, a teacher can tell quite quickly if the tool is worth further exploration.
3. Embed the tool in a well-designed learning unit, and track the use and progress of the tool. Notice how the tool invigorates engagement, standards-base learning, after school study, and further exploration.  Give this some time.
4. Discuss the merits of the tool with the learning community: family members, students, colleagues, and leaders.  See what people have to say and ask about the tool.
5. Determine the tool's use.  Is it a part-time tool, one used for special events, students, or times in the day, or is it a full time tool--a mainstay for a particular grade level, discipline, or program.
6. Reassess the tool often as tech tools evolve rapidly.  Some tools I use all the time years ago, I rarely use now, and there are many tech tools I use now that weren't even around a couple of years ago.

As you watch and participate in beta testing, online tools, and tech integration, you understand that it is a process that evolves over time and requires steady regular oversight.  How we pilot, choose, and implement tools into our teaching/learning curriculum matters greatly with regard to apt personalization and differentiation in meaningful, engaging, productive ways.

What would you add to this process?  What might you change?  Tech pilots are a terrific first step to employing technology to teach all children well.