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On Friday I posted a question about wasteful spending on technology hardware, software, gadgets, etc. that seldom or never end up being used. WOW, I cannot tell you how many people waxed eloquent on this topic! Frankly I have seen waste in buying since the 1970's. But with technology it is so much worse. Here are the articles I was talking about in my original posting: November: http://www.novemberlearning.com/default.aspx?tabid=159&type=art&site=22&parentid=18 http://www.edtechnot.com/article701.html (Jukes) I know there is another good one and probably more at Jamie McKenzie's FNO site. The interesting thing about my responses to this query is not just the number (I got a lot) but also the length and the amount of emotion! This is a hot spot for lots of us! Here is a summary of some of the things mentioned: 1. Two types of equipment most frequently mentioned were laser disks a few years back and videoconferencing equipment. 2. Many people mentioned poor use of software as well as non-use. Examples were unimaginative use of Inspriation and Powerpoint. 3. Smartboards are frequently mentioned as being used as expensive projection screens. 4. Lack of training was often mentioned. 5. Lack of identified need, where people were given things out of the blue was often mentioned. 5. Buying for one individual who then moved on to another job was also mentioned several times. 6. LACK OF TIME to assimilate and "tinker with technology" was a big problem. 7. "Technology for technology's sake" was described vividly. I will be working to distill this information into an upcoming column and again thank everyone very much. And--here I go being bold again--does anyone has suggestions about what to do in the face of this issue??? Thanks again so very much, 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------