Information Collaborative

Open technology is an exciting frontier with many new developments.  Keeping up with changes and deciding what is relevant for K-12 education can be time consuming. education connection believes that the best way to address this is through collaborative activities that develop, evaluate and share open technology information. To do this education connection fosters active communications with the Open Technology User Group (OTUG). The OTUG watches and evaluates trends and innovations in open technology via bi-monthly meetings and online activities via the Moodle web site. 

• OTUG meetings have a planned agenda and content will include a variety of topics and demonstrations as well as occasional guest speakers.
• Online collaboration is encouraged. Input from members is electronically shared with other members.
• Members have the opportunity to share information on their open technology experience at all user group meetings.
  

As part of our service offering, EDUCATION CONNECTION will conduct ongoing evaluation of new products and new releases of existing products and recommend best practices for implementation:

Product Evaluation

Computer technology is evolving quickly.  New products with improved functionality are constantly being developed.  In fact, one of the main benefits of open technology is its focus on innovative collaboration.  Keeping track of these developments takes time and staff hours. education connection's experienced staff of educational technologists keeps abreast of this quickly changing field and identifies new products or new releases that will be beneficial to its members.  A standard evaluation methodology will be used to provide consistent comparisons. 

Best Practices

Implementing new technology always has the potential for unintended consequences. Concern about “unknown” aspects is often the reason organizations are reluctant to adopt new ideas.  Today's school environment is fraught with issues that can keep teachers and administrators from focusing on what is most important: student learning. education connection's experienced team of technologists and professional developers, working together, will identify potential concerns that might hamper the successful implementation of your open technology plan. education connection will provide easy to follow strategies and tools to prevent or address these issues.  The goal is to be proactive in providing guidance to keep the issues from developing in your school or district. In addition, the staff will be available to counsel you should unanticipated problems arise regarding your implementation of open technology.