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Ian Jukes and Alan November have both recently written about a topic that has concerned me for more than five years. That is the purchasing of technology--hardware, software, gadgets, etc.--on the part of educators without sufficient forethought. Too often, I fear, money is spent on things that are never or rarely used. The reasons for non-use include: 1. Acquisitions not compatible with other equipment/software 2. LACK OF TRAINING (in my opinion this is a biggie) 3. Lack of identified need 4. Lack of interest on the part of users 5. Lack of communication (I hear of situations where teachers don't even know what software they have available). An example might be for every single teacher to get a Smart Board or "clicker" setup, with some enthusiastically using and some never taking out of original containers. I remember a teacher in my past who said "You can give me a computer if you want, but I will use it as a plant stand." Granted, by this time most teachers want and need computers in their classrooms, but what about all the other acquisitions? Why does this happen? Often it is "listmania," where one district gets equipment ot "keep up" with another. I am again coming to my favorite sources of information and asking for your thoughts on this topic and also for examples (horror stories welcome as well as good examples). You probably guessed, but I am looking for information for an upcoming column...as always I will not quote names or places unless I contact you a second time for permission. Thanks in advance and have a great weekend! It is warm and sunny in Spring, TX and I am watching a chickadee on my bird feeder.--Mary Ann -- *************************** "Try curiosity!" Dorothy Parker *************************** Dr. Mary Ann Bell Assistant Professor School of Library Science Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX mbe11@earthlink.net lis_mah@shsu.edu -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------