What makes a successful ICT project?
People say that you are more likely to reach goals when you write them down. It is no different when it comes to information and communications technology (ICT) projects. Establishing a vision ensures success for a technology project because it recognizes the overarching goal rather than the device. Our goal as educators is to help students learn, and establishing a vision reminds us of that.
The vision connects to the WHY behind what we do. My innovation plan “Ditch the Basement Box” is an ePortfolio initiative beginning in fourth grade that emphasizes reflecting, connecting, and learning. My why, how, and what statements are focused on the LEARNERS and the LEARNING, not the technology.
From reading several case studies of ICT projects, I have learned what worked and what could have been done better. Learning is a process. The subjects involved in these studies learned the hard way, but as a learner I can now take lessons away from their experiences and apply them to my own. Based on several case studies, I created a Plus Delta Evaluation of ICT projects to demonstrate my lessons learned. The plus side contains positive things that need to continue for ICT projects to be successful, whereas the other side shows factors that need changes or consideration. Not everything on the right side is negative, but they are components that need further work and discussion rather than mere continuation. For example, community involvement leads to project success and should be continued, but changes in community involvement are always possible.
The Plus Delta Evaluation Tool demonstrates success and needed change in a time efficient manner. I can use this tool to evaluate ICT projects of others as well as my own innovation plan. A successful ICT project requires strong vision, expectations, and leadership. As the creator and leader of my innovation plan, it is up to me to recognize my project's strengths and short-comings to ensure success.
References
Chambers, B. (2014, August 28). L.A. cancels iPads-in-the-schools program: A failure of vision, not technology. Retrieved from https://www.macworld.com/article/2599988/lausd-ipad-cancellation-is-a-failure-of-vision-not-technology.html
Chambers, B., & Speirs, F. (Out of School). (2016, January 11). 164: Deploy 2016, part 2: What makes a tech friendly head of school? [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from
https://outofschool.net/2016/01/11/164-deploy-2016-part-2-what-makes-a-tech-friendly-head-of-school/
Stowell, C. [cmoeinc]. (2013, July 23). How to get quick feedback with the plus delta tool [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADEd0IIswpQ&feature=youtu.be
Commission on Information and Communications Technology. (2009). eSkwela: Community-based e-learning centers for out-of-school youth and adults, Philippines (pp. 1-25, Publication). Bangkok: UNESCO.
