Use of site-based microcomputers for instructional support: the multi-year experience

It has been said that a school that does not emphasise technology will miseducate students for the future. Many informed observers believe that to achieve this emphasis, it is very important for the principal and his/her assistants to act as role models (for the use of information technology). The use of school-based microcomputers for instructional support provides an excellent opportunity for them to do so. All too often, however, the promises of technological innovation are not delivered upon. After briefly reviewing the procedure for selecting the most appropriate system, this presentation will compare and contrast the multi-year experiences of high schools in one of the largest school districts in Canada. The experiences of these schools indicate that for this significant application of technology, the promises are realizable. The paper will conclude by discussing issues and challenges relating to the use of school-based microcomputers for instructional support.