4.5 Technology assisted school counselor and principal collaboration  (Page 15/16)

Ultimately, the main question is, will this technology provide me with a significant return on investment (ROI)? That is, will an initial and anticipated investment of financial and human resources provide me with a long-term and desired level of benefit to my work? If the ROI for a technology is significant, then one might more easily make the decision to learn and use it. If the ROI is poor, then one might only spend the time to understand the technology to better make informed decisions about its use.

Other challenges exist such as those described by Tyler&Sabella (2004):

• Simply finding the time to learn the skills (professional and technological) necessary to keep up. In almost every profession where a certificate or license is required for professional practice, the right to practice comes with an obligation to maintain currency in the field.
• Another challenge for all professionals to address relates to the financial impact of rapidly changing technology. Purchasing a computer and learning to use it was and remains, a short-term investment. For most users, by the time a computer is purchased, set-up and operated for several months, it has been replaced in stores by newer hardware and software with improved features.
• Finding ways to create the enthusiasm among others to support our use of technology. Some colleagues may not always understand the benefits to be gained from technology. Many individuals choose not to even consider using technology any more than mandated simply because they lack skills or believe that learning and implementing new systems and procedures will be too time consuming. In many environments, individuals have seen so many changes occur over time that they believe technology, like many other initiatives, will simply go away if it is ignored long enough. In seeking support from colleagues we need to remember that comfort and knowledge levels vary widely.
• In the past, during training and early work experiences, educators in general are warned not to "take their work home." A healthy level of professional detachment or strong boundaries was advocated to allow for personal space. This was seen as a necessary component of the care giver taking care of the self. Technology is making that task more difficult. Because technology blurs boundaries, we may easily find ourselves working at home and playing at work. Educators must establish ways to appropriately disconnect from professional obligations to allow for personal growth and renewal.
• While technology has a tendency to allow professional activities to creep into our personal lives, it also can creep into our professional lives in a way that creates an increased pace of business. This increase in pace may actually rob us of opportunities to reflect, relax, and prepare for future tasks. The metaphor of the worker as machine seems more applicable today than ever before. We must continue to find ways to respond to the increased pace of professional life. A healthy focus and sense of balance is critical to the longevity and long-term success of the educator in today's high-tech world. Especially important is to keep a steady course of comprehensive (i.e., physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.) creative relaxation and needs fulfillment.
• Finally, yet another challenge we face as technologies become faster, cheaper, and more powerful is to make certain that these tools do not get in the way of our educational mission. Educators must battle against the dark side of technology including cyberbullying, cyberaddictions, and the proliferation of highly inappropriate content to name a few (Sabella, 2008).