Some Principles 2012/07/08
Principles are important. Especially if you can keep to them. Here's a set to help frame our thinking on a technology strategy to support learning.
Keep things simple. Training and the impact of change can be costly. Simple things that get used are more valuable than complex stuff that doesn't. Related to this, consistent solutions are often better than better solutions.
Use commodity stuff wherever possible. What needs a custom solution today can be done with commodity stuff tomorrow. It usually makes sense to wait for tomorrow. The benefits of large customer base and the multipliers of scale that results in will typically outweigh the benefits of a solution customised for a niche market. We're not experts in running technology infrastruture; so we'll partner with those that are.
Education is preparation for life. So we will endeavor to ensure education reflects life outside the eductation bubble wherever that's appropriate. Likewise, we believe that there is nothing special about education
Life is risky. Learning how to manage risks is an important life skill so we don't want 100% insulation. Where there is risk and risky behaviour we'll try and architect so that it remains close. Pushing risks underground is more risky than acknowledging them and holding them close.
Boundaries are blurred. Working and learning don't happen just within the physical space of TOA. More than acknowledging; enabling, supporting and promoting learning and working anywhere are important outcomes for our technology strategy.
Open is better than closed. 'Nuff said.