TIE 300 - Introduction to Technology in the Classroom

Professor Craig A. Cunningham
Computer Shopping Spree

Congratulations!!! You have just been awarded a $10,000 grant to buy computer equipment and peripherals for your classroom.

Your classroom can now have the technology of your dreams!    So, what are your computing needs? How will your students use the equipment that you buy?

Obviously, since you are not yet a certified teacher, the classroom we are talking about here is a hypothetical one. But it should be the classroom (grade, subject, type of school) that you wish to work in. You can start with a classroom that already had a whole bunch of technology, or you can start with one where there is almost nothing. Your choice.

How do you intend to go about getting all this new gear?   You will need to keep track of your expenses.   You will also need to make up a written plan, so that you will spend your money wisely.

The written plan will have the following components:

A. Classroom description - Describe your hypothetical classroom. What grade and subject? Where is the school? Describe your students.

B. Current Technology -What technology does your classroom have right now, before you start your $10,000 buying spree? Be specific. How many computers, of what type (platform, speed of processor, size of hard drive), software, peripherals, connectivity (network)?

C. Needs Assessment -   What does your classroom need? What will you need for the next two years? Consider the kinds of technology-integrated assignments you will want your students to participate in so that they (1) reach the standards for your grade and subject and (2) learn how to use technology to help them learn.

•  What hardware and peripherals should I be looking to buy?

•  What will the equipment be used for? How will it improve learning?

C. Market Research - Time now to do some looking around. Figure out what your options are. You may include items from the "Hot Tech" reports this quarter, or other equipment that you know about either from the course or from your own experience. Also, you can rely on friends and others for advice.   Here are places to look to analyze what the market holds for you.

•  Newspapers, computer magazines, and those Sunday newspaper consumer electronic fliers.

•  Computer stores.   Some examples: Apple Store, Bust Buy, Comp-USA, Circuit City , Gateway

•  Talk to friends and others who are knowledgeable about computers.

•  Compare products and the reliability of the dealers and manufacturers,

E.   Budget - Once you have decided what you need, you will need to write down all your expenses.   Start with a spreadsheet and make up a budget.   Your budget should include the unit cost(s) of the computers you are recommending for purchase, describing any extras, such as included software and peripherals, vendor name and contact information. Make sure the budget doesn't exceed $10,000. Anything you don't spend is lost, so spend as close to $10,000 as you can.

Your report will include an attached Excel spreadsheet with the budget. It will have no spelling or grammar errors, and will include attractive formatting.