Technology+Proposal

**Description**  This Technology Proposal explains a need for a new technology to be used in the classroom. The proposal outlines why this technology is needed, the benefits, cost, where funds will come from, a plan for getting the new technology, how it addresses state and national standards, a plan for training teachers to use it, and a plan for recycling this new technology when it becomes outdated. I have used a survey and online research to help support my proposal.

 **Process**  The process for completing this assignment began by finding a technology that would be helpful in our school. I surveyed teachers to find out their opinions about a document camera and projector. Results from the survey showed that teachers would use that form of technology regularly in their classrooms and that they believed it would improve student learning. I researched the document camera and projector, finding information about cost and pro's and con's of the products. I put together a proposal by addressing how to get this product into the school, what standards teachers would meet if they were using these products, all hardware components needed, funding, the training and support of teachers to use the products, maintenance procedures, a recycling timeline, and a plan for evaluating the effectiveness of these products. I included a bibliography to site all the sources I used.

Vision and Personal Philosophy of Education

Needs Assessment and Identification of Focus Area

Initiatives to Address Needs

Addressing Standards

Hardware and Software Components and Licensure

Funding

Professional Development and Support

Maintenance Procedures and Recycling Timeline

Evaluation and Modification Strategies

Bibliography

PowerPoint Presentation

**Reflection** This was an interesting project. It is easy to say, "I want a document camera and projector for my classroom." The reality is that a lot of time, research, and thought goes into the purchase of any equipment for the school system. Technology is an important issue in every school. Technology is slowly encompassing everything we do. The school systems need to keep up with an increasing need for new technology and to update existing technology. This can be very costly. I was aware of how little money my school system has available but never thought about the cost of things we need in the classroom in comparison. I was surprised at the amount of grants and funding that is available to school systems. I am curious if our county has someone who is in charge of finding and writing grants. This project also made me aware of all the factors that go along with the purchase of new technology on such a large scale. Time is always a factor. We never seem to have enough. However, I see the importance of setting time aside to give support, answer questions, share, and evaluate something that the county or school has spent so much money on. Although I may never present a proposal to the Board of Education to purchase new equipment, this project has given me a new perspective and appreciation for the process and for the technology that I have available to me now.