There are two levels of selection to consider when deciding on technology for educational purposes — 1) the organization’s selection of the technology(ies) that will meet its organizational goals and 2) the instructor’s selection of the technology(ies) that will meet specific learning goals.

1) Organization’s Selection Process — Selecting technologies is not an easy task. Unfortunately, technologies are often chosen solely on the basis of price or the "pitch" of a sales representative. Often, this leads to the purchase of technologies that are ill-equipped to meet the needs of an organization. When considering a technology purchase, administrators, instructors, tech staff and other affected parties should work together to come to a decision that will work for everyone.

Purchase of a new technology should be preceded by a needs analysis and a sound pedagogical determination of what is needed and what is to be accomplished with the new technology. By questioning, organizations can determine what technology will serve them best.

• How will the technology(ies) improve learning within the organization?
• Is the type of technology needed that will enable instructors and learners to see each other?
• Is the type of technology needed that will require specific fixed site equipment?
• Will a special room or area be needed to use the technology?
• Can the technology be supported by current staff?
• Are there other products or services that are needed to make the technology work?
• Can this technology be easily combined with other technology(ies)?
• How difficult will it be to train instructors and learners to use the technology?

By being knowledgeable about the needs of the organization, purchasers will be able to ask vendors in-depth questions. The answers to these questions will help guide their decision.

2) Instructor’s Selection Process — Once the organization has purchased the technology (ies), the instructor must make decisions on how to use the technology(ies) available in their organization. By questioning, instructors can determine the best solution for their needs. Instructional designer and trainers should assist in this process.

• What are my learning objectives?
• What technologies does the organization have that will meet these objectives?
• Will the technology be available at the time that I need to use it?
• How will I adapt my materials and methods for use with this technology?
• Can I use this technology to meet all the students’ learning needs?
• Do I have supplemental technologies available to meet the course objectives?
• What additional skills to use this technology (ies)? Is there enough time allotted to learn to teach with this technology(ies)?
• Will all of my learners be able to access and use this technology?

As a result of this questioning, other questions will surface that could be asked, both prior to the purchase of the technology(ies) and before the instructor chooses which technology(ies) will be used for the delivery of instruction.