A policy mantra (from Machines Are the Easy Part)

From Machines Are the Easy Part; People Are the Hard Part. 

Illustrations by Brady Johnson

27. A policy mantra.

Every now and again I hear: “I can’t do that because our technician said I couldn’t.” Which usually surprises me as Technology Director since I could not remember having made such a decision.

It’s at this point I have to ask that teacher or administrator to repeat our policy mantra:

Technicians do not make policy. Technicians do not make policy. Technicians do not make policy.

Policies and rules regarding technology use should come from educators, not technologists. Of course, smart educators will get lots of input from their techies before making policy.

28. Keep technicians and paraprofessionals in the loop.

OK, let’s be fair here. I just wrote:

“Policies and rules regarding technology use should come from educators, not technologists.”

The corollary to this is that smart educators will make sure technicians and paraprofessionals understand the important role they play in the educational process as well. Such an understanding helps these folks prioritize their often overwhelming work load. It helps them make good technical decisions. It helps give them job satisfaction that their paychecks probably do not.

When a NASA custodian was once asked what his job was, he replied, “To put a man on the moon.”

What would your techies say their jobs were?

29. Philosophy on implementing large technology systems: I'd rather be optimistic than right.

Pardon my French, but implementing, changing or even upgrading any complex technology system is a son of a bitch. I have seen people who are strong, happy and resilient reduced to tears during such processes.

Keep the following in mind:

• The system will eventually work.
• There’s an important purpose of the change.
• People will not want to go back to the previous system after they have had a chance to get familiar with the new system.
• No amount of training will ever be enough for some people.
• It’s not just you - businesses, universities, and technology centers experience problems as well.

I try to remind my boss that a large technology implementation should never evaluated until it has been in place for at least a year. 

Keep the faith. Be optimistic.