Setting up a technology learning center is a big job involving a wide range of technical issues. Every center is different, requiring different services, equipment, and providers. Before you purchase one piece of software or upgrade a single computer, you need to complete a technology planning process and develop a detailed technology plan.

The technology planning process will help you use staff time efficiently, minimize technology-related crises, and avoid wasting money on equipment that makes your life miserable. A technology plan will help you think through your priorities in order to use technology in a way that directly furthers your mission. It will help you budge for technology purchases. Last but not least, you can use a technology plan as a tool to advocate for technology funding.

The following sections provide a brief outline of the technology planning process. For more detailed information and guidance, we recommend that you visit CompuMentor's TechSoup website.

What is a Technology Plan?

A technology plan is a working document that describes your current technology and computer status, the upgrades that are needed, the issues that must be addressed, and the budget implications. It is a cross between a funding proposal and a map of your organization's technology. Your technology plan addresses not only equipment—computers, printers, and so on—but also issues such as staff training, staffing and consultants for technical support, your budget, and, most important, the mission of your organization. Your technology plan should initially be developed through an extensive planning process; it should be updated periodically as your programs develop and your technology gets old. Most technology plans include the following sections:

• Your organization's mission.
• Your technology goals and vision.
• An assessment and documentation of all your current hardware, software, and information systems.
• A plan for staff development and training.
• A technology implementation plan with timelines and benchmarks broken down into smaller individual projects.
• A budget that includes all hardware, software, system upgrade, and staff costs.

How to Develop a Technology Plan

The first step is to create a technology team—a group of people who will participate in the technology planning process. It is important that this team include more than just the "techies." Your team should include instructors, managers, program developers, and others. It is best to involve from the beginning any "naysayers"—that is, people in the organization who resist spending any money on technology. Once the team is in place, the following steps should lead you to a solid technology plan:

• Analyze your organization in terms of its goals and needs.
• Assess your current technology status, and document existing systems.
• Clarify specific technology goals and strategies. Research the best solutions to your technology issues.
• Establish technology priorities that include your programs, mission, financial status, culture, and current infrastructure.
• Identify training and technical support needs, and create policies and procedures.
• Prepare budgets, funding plans, and grant proposals.