Provide an example of a successful (or unsuccessful) implementation due to strong (or weak) executive and stakeholder involvement. What occurred?
One example of a successful project implementation occurred with the roll out of our 1-1 Chromebook program. This was a process years in the making, as our district wanted to make an effort to spread more technology throughout the entire district rather than a few sites with teachers that requested it. Slowly netbooks of a sort had existed at some sites, but our vision has always been equal access and closing the academic gap, which meant all students needed access to these 21st century tools. The EEA Guidebook states that the first step to a future EEA is not a technical effort, but rather a business effort,” so our tech decisions were really driven by our vision and mission statement, and had to be looked at from an organizational level.
One of the very first steps of project management, according to the EEA Guidebook, is to identify the key player, both primary players and contributors. Not only was the tech department making technical decisions, but teachers and administrators were consulted about their needs and student needs, as well as our unique site-based needs. The Attendance and Records Department was included as a contributor that could help with the creation of student accounts, among other things. Maintenance was involved in the refresh process and infrastructure concerns. Stakeholders outside of our agency were included to meet security needs. Our Leadership set up a structure of professional development that ensured teachers didn’t receive Chromebooks until they were properly trained, but also offered flexible classes and covered the cost, and the percentage of teachers and classrooms with 1-1 access is rising rapidly.
This project has had to be adjusted in the process as well, and probably will continue to do so. As new challenges arise and new successes shared, the input from all stakeholders working in an organized effort will continue to contribute to this project’s success.
One of the very first steps of project management, according to the EEA Guidebook, is to identify the key player, both primary players and contributors. Not only was the tech department making technical decisions, but teachers and administrators were consulted about their needs and student needs, as well as our unique site-based needs. The Attendance and Records Department was included as a contributor that could help with the creation of student accounts, among other things. Maintenance was involved in the refresh process and infrastructure concerns. Stakeholders outside of our agency were included to meet security needs. Our Leadership set up a structure of professional development that ensured teachers didn’t receive Chromebooks until they were properly trained, but also offered flexible classes and covered the cost, and the percentage of teachers and classrooms with 1-1 access is rising rapidly.
This project has had to be adjusted in the process as well, and probably will continue to do so. As new challenges arise and new successes shared, the input from all stakeholders working in an organized effort will continue to contribute to this project’s success.