When an attempt is made to take technology into schools without clearly stating how the technology is to be used, one can hardly expect success. “Doing so because it seems the right thing to do” is not enough reason to launch such an initiative. It must first be determined what purpose the technology will serve in the school.
- Is it to improve administration?
- Is it to improve communication?
- Is it be to make learners digitally literate?
- Is it be to improve teaching?
- Is it be to improve learning?
A lack of purpose is often the result of a lack of understanding on the part of those initiating and driving e-learning projects. It is important to determine and agree, up front, what the desired outcomes of technology implementation in a classroom, school, or group of schools will be. This must then be clearly documented to serve as a constant reminder of the purpose of the undertaking.