Conducting a Needs Assessment A Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) is a formal means of both documenting the technology you have and planning for the technology you need.  Performing a comprehensive TNA will require you to work with an experienced educational technology provider that can help you determine your software, hardware, and infrastructure requirements.  A professionally prepared needs assessment provides documentation of your technology goals, which can aid you with many aspects of starting and running your school, including applying for your charter, performing fundraising, and recruiting students.
Performing a TNA for a school that is still in the development stage may seem impossible, but this type of early planning actually encourages decision making.  As you go through this process, don’t artificially limit your technology needs based on your anticipated budget.  Instead, imagine the best possible technology for creating the best possible school.  Later, when you create your actual Technology Plan, you will be able to estimate costs, create a budget, and formulate a timeline for phasing in your technology.
The Basics To get to the heart of your technology needs assessment, you need to outline a variety of key factors. For example, Educational models/specialized teaching models to be used Types of technology to be incorporated into those models by students, staff, parents Desire for laptops, desktops, and mobile devices Technology has the power to profoundly impact each type of user at the school.  Determining how each stakeholder (students, staff, teachers, parents, administrators, agencies, etc.) will use technology will also help you narrow or broaden your technical needs.   Client Devices Client devices are the pieces of equipment your individual users will need to access the schools’ software and computer systems.  Client devices include desktops, laptops, iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices.  Will each user have access to multiple devices?  Will students be outfitted 1:1 with laptops?  Will they have access to a computer lab?  Or will you be taking advantage of mobile technology systems like Studywiz, giving students devices such as the iPod touch?

Servers Servers are the central nervous system for a school’s technology as well as the warehouse for its data.  Servers require multiple types of software and licenses, plus maintenance, software protection, monitoring and environmental controls.  While some schools like to maintain their own servers, benefits such as cost savings, security, and reduced staffing are just a few of the reasons many providers recommend off-site hosting, which means your servers would be housed in a highly secure, state-of-the art data facility.

Infrastructure Infrastructure includes the cabling, wiring, wireless devices and access points that are needed to build a network, as well as shared devices like printers and copiers used by multiple staff.  Ordering one wrong cable or connector can mean the difference between your school opening on time or not at all.  Trusted providers can be relied on to source the correct equipment, and also install and maintain your network.

Telecommunications Telecommunications covers both voice and data access and includes the Internet, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), voicemail, and cellular communications. These are important to daily operations—from student learning to staff effectiveness.  IT specialists can determine the best bandwidth for Internet connectivity, how to leverage regional carriers, or take advantage of special pricing with our phone system partners.