When I have discussions with other teachers regarding technology, especially limitations, it seems like funding is always an issue. So many schools just don't have the resources to include state of the art technology in each classroom. This week, a committee of teachers at my school sat down with our principal to discuss some ways we could improve the school at minimal cost. Technology was at the top of our list. We thought we could look for grants that may help add some necessary tools to our school. The principal gave us the go and told us to begin researching. Do you know how many resources are out there?! Just googling "technology grants for schools" I found tons of programs, both government and privately led, that are in place to help assist with getting technology in the classroom. While sifting through these sites an article from Scholastic.com popped up. I opened it and found some very interesting ideas, which had never crossed my mind before. The article not only provides other resources but gives you some ideas to step out of the box (which we are always encouraging our students to do!). Though some points seem far fetched (like contacting Bill Gates), it makes you think, someone has possibly tried and succeeded. Below is the link- maybe you will find something useful for your classroom or school!
Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3750588
Great resource! Another one that I didn't see mentioned is Donors Choose, which my husband (a first grade teacher) and some of our other teacher friends have used in the past. You basically make a request for the technology you want for your room, write a proposal, and take your campaign online for friends and family to make small donations. My husband got two iPad minis for his classroom this way!
ReplyDeleteAwesome resource! The proposal and the need are the biggest elements in requesting money. I think you are all beginning or continuing to see the value in using technology, not just as a hook, but as a means for reaching goals and objectives. I certainly won't add another assessment this semester, but maybe in the future I should encourage MEd students in this course to write a grant. Thoughts? Practical? Too much?
ReplyDeleteTim, I think that is a great idea. We are searching for grants now. I have never written a grant so information like that, with criticism and feedback, would be very helpful!
ReplyDeleteI really need to get on this! I would love to get some more Promethean boards at our school along with a few extra laptop carts. The money is out there! I didn't realize Scholastic had such great resources. Thanks J :)
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