Circle of Support

Technology has provided a forum for educators to begin to reevaluate instructional methods, classroom design, beliefs about learning and financing of education. Although these issues always have been debated and researched it has been the inclusion of technology that has moved educational institutions to look more closely at how best to support the learning process. Technology is expensive to implement because it requires new personnel to install, maintain, train, and support its integration in both management and the learning environments. Unless a school system or educational organization approaches the implementation in a systemic fashion there is great potential for inequitable and poor implementation.

Spotlight on Learning has identified six essential elements necessary for the equitable and consistent implementation of technology throughout a district. These elements form the wagon wheel shape known as "circle of support". All the spokes need to be turned in order for the wheel to roll forward smoothly.

The "Circle of Support" is upheld by recent research in staff development, learning, and systems thinking. It encompasses a collection of tools and practices that systemically identifies barriers and provides scaffolding so that technology is effectively implemented. John and Lauri have presented their "Circle of Support" at national and state conferences and consult with schools and districts using this model.

Further information can be found in the article; Circle of Support: A Systemic Approach to Equitable Technology Integration