For a decile 9 school, funding for resources like ICTs is always a struggle. In the past it has only been through the generosity and hard work of the parents that has enabled expensive equipment to be bought. Unfortunately in the recent economic climate it has become increasingly difficult to raise funds that would enable us to develop our ICT infrastructure.
So what are the alternatives?
Leasing is always an option and makes sound financial sense when depreciation and replacement are taken in to account. However the cost remains the same and the money must still come from somewhere.
A local school recently received $30000 from Charity grants. Well done them. However this is a finite, contestable pool of money. Our own application (modest by comparison) was unsuccessful.
I am now looking to technology to supply the answers. In issue 17 of Interface magazine I was interested to read about eBeam. This piece of kit can apparently turn a normal whiteboard in to an interactive whiteboard for around $1200. Has anyone any experience of this solution?
I am also interested in exploring the use of mobile phones in the classroom. Many phones have internet access and can link to PCs. Is this a cheaper alternative than a set of notebooks?
I would be interested to know of imaginative ideas and solutions that will enable us to push forward with the development of ICTs at a cost we can afford.
6 days ago
