The iPad may have made it's debut a couple of weeks ago (see my 'review' here), but the cartoon below is still relevant:
While designed to make you chuckle, the editorial cartoon raises an obvious point regarding technology in the classroom -- where will the money come from to support new technological initiatives? In an era where Alberta teachers are waiting with bated breath to see what cuts to Education the provincial government will reveal in its budget tomorrow, concerns are rampant that the cut backs will have huge implications for the classroom. Teacher lay offs, stalled plans for new schools and funds for resources are all potential imminent possibilities for education in Alberta.
Our counterparts in the south of the border are experiencing similar frustrations. It's the age-old formula for times of heavy government debt: a recession leads to public outcry for the gov't to roll back spending, which leads to the political leaders issuing cuts to public services which inevitably equals huge cut-backs in the Education world.
If we, as educators, admin, tech coordinators and various stakeholders want to continue to support excellent initiatives such as incorporating newer technology into the classroom, we're going to have to get creative regarding how to fund it.
What ideas have you seen to provide money from the ground-up rather than waiting for handouts from the top-down?
Something to think about as you enter the new work week.
Vanessa
Update: 11:17 am According to my sources, Education Minister Dave Hancock dropped 'large hints' this morning that AISI funding would not be affected by the budget tomorrow. This is a relief, as it's one of the main areas that schools pull from to purchase technology for their classrooms. Stay tuned...
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About Me
- Vanessa Cassie
- Calgary, AB, Canada
- I am an Education Consultant for Sharp's AV based out of Calgary, AB. I provide professional development workshops to our Education clients and consult school divisions on their plan for implementation of technology in the classroom. Specifically, I focus on increasing interactivity in the classroom through web resources, social networking and SMART products. In my former life I was a teacher -- first as a Grade 5 generalist and then as a High School Social Studies specialist. I love current events, politics, sports and, of course, all things "techie".
I think it is time that we get creative with funding for our schools. I love getting the students involved in grant writing and thinking of new ways to pay for technology. This teaches students valuable lessons, gives them ownership in their schooling, and involves the community in what is happening in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree -- having previously taught Social Studies I was a big advocate of teaching individual responsibility for action. Putting pressure on governments and appealing to corporations is a good way to solicit funds for valuable resources.
ReplyDeleteI have had talks with my students about being more involved in the school board meetings. They express frustration at decisions that are made on their behalf, but feel they do not have a voice. I love teaching Thoreau and standing by your beliefs and speaking up for yourself. Now is the time to hear from the students about 40 students in a classroom and not enough textbooks in class.
ReplyDeleteLike many things, students involvement in the educational process can lead to many great things.
Love the cartoon, it is so apt.
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note, it is a really good idea to involve students in applications for funding/fundraising etc. Not only do they learn lots of skills, but they also learn that there is no money tree and any technologies they do have should be looked after.