“Mission creep” is a familiar concept. An organization undertakes a project with an intended outcome defined–it is the value that will accrue as the project becomes complete. Over time, the project expands to include more and more outcomes. Before leaders stop to realize it, the original mission has become something far different.
In schools, computers and IT had a marginal mission. They were in classroom where teachers were exploring their potential, but lessons proceeded as if they were not there and schools operated whether they were functioning or not.
Over time, the IT has become more deeply embedded in our schools. They are essential supports, they keep us operational, and we cannot achieve our mission of teaching without them.
