US/ND-3: RE: State Approved Technology Plans
RE: State Approved Technology Plans
Jim Wiljanen (wiljanen@mdenet.mde.state.mi.us)
Fri, 13 Sep 1996 17:55:54 -0400
In the Universal Service digest that arrived on September 13, there
was a question to which Ken Hammer responded...
Q: Should school districts have to complete state-approved
technology plans in order to qualify for Universal Service
subsidies?
KH: Absolutely not.
Approvals would stifle initiative and creativity. They would gradually
force plans into a mold established by prior approvals. They would
slow down implementation. They would tend to drive plans to grandiose
structures rather than humble seeds intended to grow. They would add
still more power to those who covet political influence. They would
gradually concentrate influence in the larger State systems as exists
with text books. Enough? I'll stop anyway.
That's certainly a well-crafted reply, but I'm going to take some issue
with it anyway. Maybe people want to think again if they are concerned about
statewide connectivity and interoperability, about creating and operating
networks that can "talk" with districts in other parts of the state or even
the county. I'm certainly not lobbying for districts having to complete
"state-approved technology plans," but district technology planners often
seek guidance on distance learning technologies, services, products and
specifications to avoid having their networks become "islands" that may
serve the district's internal communication needs, but do not allow
seamless contact with the outside world. I'm not in disagreement with
Ken, but do encourage consideration of some kind of statewide
perspective (or national perspective, as the case may be).
Jim Wiljanen
wiljanen@mdenet.mde.state.mi.us