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Technology Grants for Supporting Education?

Posted by Cliff on from the assist-the-technology-behind-the-classroom dept.

citking asks: "I work as one of 12 micro computer technicians for the Madison School District, the second-largest in the state of Wisconsin, and we have a problem: Our support equipment, namely laptops and diagnostic hardware, is falling dangerously behind the times even as our schools receive top of the line technology sponsored mostly by private grants and donations. Our technology budget is small and is being cut back every year, so having the district buy us new laptops is out of the question. I wouldn't mind applying for a grant to cover most, if not all, of the cost of new equipment, but any grants I see directed at education are all directed toward teachers' projects. Are there any grant programs available for support positions in the public sector? If not, how do other support people in the public sector struggle to keep up with low budgets and outdated equipment?"

3 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. Follow the money trail... by ElectricRook · · Score: 5, Insightful
    It's much easier to cry "Our students are suffering because the computers are out of date", than it is to cry "Our teachers are under paid".

    I for one think computers are over-rated as teachers. I also think computers are over-rated as teaching tools. Computers are fantastic as internet search tools, and great for teaching computer programming. Computers are also great for teaching typing, and other computer skills. Teaching someone to be a mouse driver is about as beneficial as teaching them to be a truck driver. Meaning that if your computer is not working for you, you are working for the computer.

    Flame away.

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    - High Tech workers, please say NO to Union Carpenters, their Union sees fit to control our compensation.
  2. Creative Grant Writing by BigT · · Score: 4, Informative

    I once worked IT at a university. The usual tactic there was to talk to the grant writers and ensure that part of technology grants was earmarked to SUPPORT the technology. If they are ordering 10 computers for a grant project, then they need to include one more to support those ten. Also make sure the grant includes infrastucture (network hardware, etc.) for that project so that the new router needed to put those computers on the net does not come out of your budget.

    --
    Is it weird in here, or is it just me?
  3. Thanks... by citking · · Score: 3, Interesting

    ...for the suggestions. I'll certainly try to get the grants to incorporate the required materials to support the gifts they give us. I think most people will be understanding when they look at what we need and why we need it. Thanks again for the suggestions, and by all means, keep 'em coming if you get any more ideas.

    --
    "This food is problematic."