Maximizing
Technology Resources
In this time of drastic
cuts to school budgets it is more important than ever to maximize
the technology resources that are currently available at schools.
Without major money to spend, technology can still play a prominent
role in our schools. Creative solutions are available that can still
make the investment in technology in fatter budget times continue
to be an important factor in the education of students and the productivity
of teachers.
Staff Development
The most forwarded-thinking
districts have already realized that staff development does not have
to be an expensive commodity. Within most districts there are teachers
that have become experts at using technology and can be of great use
to those that still need support. Having these teachers lead periodic
training can strengthen the use of technology at a district or a site.
It is especially important that the trainings focus on higher level
strategies and skills at integrating technology. Computers have been
in the classrooms long enough that most teachers are ready to move
on past software application training and into the strategies for
boosting student achievement with technology.
A teacher coach program
can also be a low cost option to strengthen the use of technology
in the classroom. Partnering tech proficient teachers with non-tech
saavy teachers who have an appetite for using technology in the curriculum
can provided a broader foundation and produce more leaders on school
campuses, as well as provide a platform in which to promote collaboration
amongst teaching staff and the development of a larger library of
technology-enhanced lesson plans and activities.
Districts can also host
free workshops by SBC
Education Advocates. Advocates can offer a wide variety of training
sessions in the use of technology in educational environments. To
view a list of workshops titles and description view your advocate's
web page on the SBC Knowledge Network.
Grants
Grants are probably the
best way of getting projects funded in times of budget crisis. There
is a listing of current grants in this newsletter,
as well as links to sites that offer a directory of currently available
grants for K-12 education. The Knowledge
Network grant resources are also an excellent source for locating
and applying for grants. SBC Education Advocates are now offering
a workshop on grant writing. Check with your local advocate about
leading one in your area.
Tech Support
One successful way that
schools are solving the problem of technical support is student tech
mentor programs. In a student tech mentor program, students troubleshoot
and fix basic problems that normally would require the time of a district
support person. Many tech issues can easily be fixed by students with
basic training. There are many schools who have been using this type
of program with great success.
Internet Resources
Now more than ever is the
time to take advantage of the free resources available through the
SBC Knowledge
Network. Blue
Web'n and Filamentality
can be valuable resources for teachers to find and develop web-based
educational resources and activities.
E-Rate Eligible Services
New services like voice
mail, web hosting, and conferencing services can all be taken advantage
now at E-Rate discounted rates. Please contact your SBC account manager
for more details on how to take advantage of these new services and
to look into other SBC telecommunications services that could save
much needed funds.
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We are always happy to
take feedback about the newsletter.
Please let us know what you think about the new format and content,
as well as other information you would like to see included in future
issues of the KNE K-12 newsletter.
Mike
Guerena
Editor KNE K-12 News
