The issue I chose to research is in regards to finding funds and utilizing funds for appropriate

technology in our schools and classrooms. Funding seems for some to be difficult to come by for
some districts and schools. In regards to the costs to begin a technology based programs, stay
current with updates and repairs, and training staff, the amount can be more than what is
currently allotted in a standard school budget. Not only is the issue about how to gain monies but
also some feel contrary to getting more said money and cannot see the benefit of more
technology in the schools. Hopefully this brief summary will show some options schools and
districts can use to attain more in their budgets.
Before one can justify bringing in technology in the schools, they have to make a stand on
some reasons to justify the money to purchase and give credible reason it will benefit the
students. Some administrators and educators chose six reasons to bring technology into schools
as it " supports thinking processes, stimulate motivation and self-esteem, promote equity, prepare
students for the future, support changes in school structure, and exploring technology
capabilities" (Reasons for Bringing Technology Into Schools, n.d.). Contrary to bringing in
technology some do not understand how or why ought the districts change their budgets to plan
for maintenance and technology upkeep of computers and the like. In order to make it
worthwhile for the schools time and effort it requires and overhaul or revising the budgets
allotted to technology (Investing in School Technology: Strategies to Meet the Funding
Challenge, 1997). There first needs to be funding requests that can clearly show a "higher
purpose than simply the question of hardware and equipment,"...and that it is an "ongoing
investment...considered as a regular expense" (Funding Strategies for Education Technology,
n.d.). Typically schools simply rely on grants, bonds, and sometimes charity in the form of
donations or philanthropy for new or used technological purchases. There are some strategies
that schools can employ to receive money. Local community support is necessary for donations,
not of too old of items, but materials that meet a modern business level. Next is the federal funds,
at state level. The federal government could potentially offer "tax incentives" (Investing in
School Technology: Strategies to Meet the Funding Challenge,1997). This is when businesses
can donate equipment or software or potential staff trainings for schools and educators. Another
opinion, would be to have the districts allot a predetermined dollar amount per student enrolled
in school in advance of the school year. If the money determined is more than needed it can be
used as roll over and put in a savings or used to purchase other school items. Some districts
utilize "cost equalization... balance of differences between districts in the costs of deploying
technology to reach similar goals" (Investing in School Technology: Strategies to Meet the
Funding Challenge, 1997)
There are many other options that can benefit school funding for technology but the first
option is to determine how to employ the budget to the best benefit of the school and utilize the
money to advance student growth in a forward moving trend of technology.
Roblyer, M.D, Doering, A.H. (2010, July 20) Top Ten Issues Shaping Today's Technology Uses
in Education. Retrieved from http://www.Education.com/refrence/article/ten-issues-shapingtoday-technology/

Investing in School Technology: Strategies to meet the Funding Challenge. (1997, Nov)
Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/techinvest/chap3.html
Funding Strategies for Education Technology (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te4lk22/htm