Key Questions for District Leaders Seeking Effective Technology Use

How can district leaders make informed decisions about technology use? Leaders must sift through numerous options to allocate limited funds to help students, teachers, staff, and families access and use technology.

The Leveraging Technology for Student Success framework outlines three stages of technology integration: selecting, establishing infrastructure, and implementing technology. Across each stage, the framework provides key questions to ensure that technology use aligns with a district's goals and values.

Below, we summarize key considerations for using technology in schools. At all stages, leaders must consider how equity and evaluation inform their decisions.

1. Selection: What pressing needs are you trying to address?

Before selecting new technology, consider how technology can equitably address the most pressing needs for students and teachers. For example, are you looking to improve communication, collaboration, personalization, or engagement? Are existing technologies addressing identified needs?

2. Infrastructure: Do your systems provide equitable access, privacy, security, and learning opportunities?

Effective technology infrastructure includes both technical and non-technical supports. Technical supports include software, hardware, and internet access. Non-technical supports include professional learning opportunities, resources, and learning communities. What are the roadblocks to integrating technology in your setting? What types of supports could improve integration? Who should be invited to take part in successful adoption and implementation?

3. Implementation: What ongoing supports ensure teachers, staff, leaders, students, and families equitably and effectively use technology?

Adopting new technology is not a one-time action. Effective implementation requires continuous discovery, learning, and improvement. What resources and training are necessary to use digital tools effectively? What measures can we take to promote greater uptake and ensure equitable access? Should we continue to invest in this technology or consider alternatives?

Read the full resource, Leveraging Technology for Student Success and let us know what questions your district is facing related to technology by emailing us at relnw@wested.org.