Technology Planning “You want me to buy what, with how much, and when?”

To Date…..  The cost of implementing technology has increased since the 1980’s –Approximately 300K-400K microcomputers were purchased per year = $?  In 1995, $4 billion was spent by U.S. schools  In 1998, $7.4 billion was spent by U.S. schools, approximately at $113 per student  No data could be found to determine how much has been spent per year since 1998.

Extracurricular :: For technologists who do their homework. (2007). THE Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2007, from

Technology Planning What factors must be considered when planning for school-based technology? Computers/laptops Software Repairs and upgrades Hardware: monitors, cables, access points, motherboards, mice, printers, etc. Servers and server storage Web: designers, space, and domains Professional development ?

Items to Consider  Gather as many people as possible to work on the technology budget. -Teacher Teams -Technology Board  Elicit help from an outside consultant to vary in all factors and generate outside funding.

Items to Consider  Work closely with the district’s technology department on vendor purchasing  Work to purchase from a sole vendor and get materials at a discount by buying only from them.  Determine needs and timeline for purchasing- prioritize.

Acquiring Finances  The most common way to acquire funding for technology is through the school board. –Technology team/supervisor consults with superintendent –Superintendent makes proposal to the board –Board will either approve or amend budget –Technology dept. gets budget at, above, or below need

Acquiring Finances  Additional ways to fund technology: –Bonds –Governmental entities –Grants/gifts –Fund-raising campaigns –PTO/PTAs –Corporate donations –Low-interest loans –Higher Education partnerships –Technology Cooperatives

Technology Planning Tips  Effective technology plans are short term, not long term  Effective technology plans focus on applications, not technology  Effective technology plans go beyond enhancing the curriculum

Technology Planning Tips  Effective technology plans are tied to staff development plans  Effective technology plans define technology as more than computers  Effective technology plan stress integration of technology into the curriculum See, J. (2009). Developing Effective Technology Plans. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from