Money isn't what makes technology work: newer isn't always better. Knowledge is better. This is a case where the people with the power to spend money (aka administrators) need to have the critical thinking skills we are trying to teach our students. Why spend the money when there is a great free option? The research can take time, however there are many resources available, both technological applications and experienced users, that can help us decide.
Restricting access is too extreme and Banning tech tools is detrimental: these two go hand in hand for me. I agree that some access to content is important in the school setting, this can be extreme. Recently I was trying to view a typing program as an option for my Kindergarten team. The page was blocked through the school district's content settings. Do you really think http://practicadelmouse.altervista.org/ has inappropriate content? This isn't the first or last time I'll run into this problem as I try to help my teachers help their students learn mouse skills. (By the way, as I'm working my 6 year old is making her way through the practicadelmouse family of games. No inappropriate content has been seen.)
Teach with an understanding of today: to me this means meeting students where they are, with today's tools, and taking them to the next level. This includes differentiating the project when students come to your classroom with varying technology skill sets. Most students today are versed in the use of a smartphone, but can't type worth beans. I've even seen students typing with their thumbs--on a traditional keyboard! Eeek! Assess where the students are and find the program, project, and skill to engage them fully.
Collaboration is key: This is the skill employers are looking for in their new hires. We have the freedom to help our students learn this skill in a variety of ways. Collaboration doesn't come naturally to many and so we have to teach what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like. We also have the task of helping our students understand why this is an important skill. That is the challenge.
Schools need direction: mine certainly does. For over a year I have had the opportunity to help teachers use the chromebooks that keep coming to our site. We are about to receive 140 more ( we already have 108.) Sounds great, right? Well... Our teachers aren't comfortable with the chromebooks, and many are used as paperweights. Gasp! Or they can't figure out how to incorporate a center rotation into their teaching style. Or they can't remember the password. Or (insert excuse here.) Technology isn't so much stated as implied in my job description. I know there are good resources available to teachers. It's my mission to help teachers open their minds to a new way of doing the same old thing. Because if we're honest with ourselves, the same old thing doesn't exist. Change is pervasive.
It's ok to try: Teachers need to be open to trying new things. We preach this to our students, and we need to practice what we preach. If (and when) it doesn't work, have a back up plan. Reflect on what happened and try it again. And again. And again.