ITEGemail

Mr. Bearden,

I noticed that your website makes reference to my company, the Integrated Technology Education Group, with regard to issues dealing with classroom design. I am writing simply to extend my appreciation for recognizing my website and the information that it contains.

I truly hope that it helps you get the bond issue approved. I also wish to commend those involved with the bond issue who have recognized the critical relationship between the classroom environment, technology and the teaching/learning process. You may wish to consider visiting a corporate or business conference center, if one exists in your area for additional ideas as to how best to design a learning environment. You can be sure that a company would not make the investment in such a facility if there were not proven benefits from use of an enhance learning environment. Our students should be provided with no less.Also...be sure that your chosen architect buys into the total classroom environment concept. Many have voiced the "words", but fall back to traditional interior design once the contract is signed.

Let me suggest reading of several books and documents by Coleman Finkel, Principal of the Coleman Center, a business meeting facility in NYC. I believe you will find many of his findings and conclusions relevant to the public school as well.

Facilities Planning
http://store.astd.org/product_search.asp?keyword=Coleman+Finkel+and++Andrew+D.+Finkel

New Conference Models for the Information Age
http://www.iacconline.com/resources/index.cfm?fuseaction=Store&categoryid=2

Professional Guide to Successful Meetings
http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?S=R&wauth=Coleman+Finkel&siteID=SX6PNzFJThs-1w6DNZq345veqVd1sb98tw

One last point --- be sure to look at the Total Cost of Ownership calculator referenced on my site. It was funded by and endorsed by the US Dept of Education...so it should have some national relevance. Keep in mind that technology needs replacement and upgrading on a regular basis. All too often I have seen school systems account for the first cost of investment, but then leave it up to future school boards and superintendents to figure out how to keep the system...and training...current. Unfortunately this often leads to a new initiative to write and approve a technology plan...rather then simply continue to use and update the plan that started the process in the first place. The result is not positive. You will find it advantageous during the public discussion phase of the bond issue to let the public know that the plan DOES in fact span multiple years, and a process (and funding) is being put in place to keep the program current...assuming it does.

If I can be of any assistance through May 2 feel free to contact me.....and good luck.