The implementation of a technology integration program must be accomplished as a total process to be effective.  The Technology Integration Plan in the Dover, Sherborn, and Dover-Sherborn Regional School Districts has been developed as a total system composed of four components:

1. Opportunity: There must be adequate numbers and types of equipment for faculty and students.

2. Reliability: Equipment must be reliable if teachers and students are to feel confident in its use.

3. Professional Development: Teachers must receive necessary training to be able to use the equipment effectively.

4. Integration: There must be a plan to implement the technology into curriculum and instruction.

The Districts have dramatically improved Opportunity through the purchase of equipment with both budgetary and granting resources.  The equipment purchased has created an inventory that is the foundation of the technology program.

Reliability has been improved through a variety of strategies.  First and foremost was the development of a functional organization model that clearly defined roles and responsibilities. As important, was the support of the Administration and School Committees for adequate numbers of support personnel with appropriate skill sets.  In addition, establishing a common vendor for computers and printers, use of advanced disk imaging technologies, and other techniques have improved reliability.  Common operating systems and applications, and redundant Internet access paths are also very important to improving reliability. 

Professional Development is a major focus of present technology initiatives.  Faculty and staff must have the skills necessary to utilize the technology they are provided. 

Integration takes on a life of its own as opportunity, reliability, and professional development expand and improve.  To foster integration each of the schools within the district has designated a Technology Integrator from within the faculty to provide ; however, a clear plan for integration is needed to ensure that the most efficient and effective administrative and curricular technology integration occurs.

There are three primary strategic goals for the future of the technology program: 1.  Seek and obtain approval of a hardware line item in each of the three district budgets to sustain the technology program. 2.  Create a fiber-optic wide area network (WAN) linking all schools and acquire fiber optic access to the Internet. 3.  Create an integrated information environment as illustrated in the graphic below.