-Funding

=Future School Funding=

====Traditionally state and national governments have been the primary source for funding of school systems. As time goes on, that funding may vary, and with a very technologically driven future, one has to wonder- how will all this technology be funded? If we are going to collaborate, learn, and grow in education using this technology, how will it get to the classrooms that need it?====

Grants
====In the future, all students should have their own computer or computing device to learn and work on. In order for this to happen, schools will need to find a way to constantly buy computing devices for new students. There are a few models that can be used for purchasing technology for such one to one computing initiatives. One model for funding one to one initiatives is through a state-funded model. In order for this model to work, a state has to be committed to setting aside funds to support the technology in schools. One drawback to this model is that there are equity issues and that the local control and managing of the funds needs to be taken into account. Another issue with this model is that innovations like one to one initiatives are usually vulnerable to political changes and new priorities in education and in government spending.====

====Another model is a district funded model. This would include some state and federal funds to support the technology. This model is beneficial because schools enjoy sustainability while preserving local control. In order to make this work, schools would shift budgetary funds away from some areas, like new textbooks, so that they can be used to buy the computers annually. Districts also have asked the community for bonds in order to fund one to one initiative, but the problem is that schools and districts would have to ask for these bonds every year, and it is difficult to keep asking for such large amounts of money annually.====

====The parent funded model utilizes the fact that students would use the laptops far more outside of school than inside of school. It plays upon parents' need and desire for students to have a computer at home. Family contributions also create a sense of responsible ownerships, since there is a parent and student buy in. Families can cover the insurance costs of the laptops or pay for the entire laptop. Contributions for this model range from $30 to $60 a month from parents.====

Another good strategy is to blend these models to create a hybrid model of funding for technology initiatives (Dixon, 2007).
====If these models aren't a good fit for a school or district, there are other ways to fund or get partial funding for one to one initiatives. Schools can receive discounts through the federal eRate program or by partnering with local service providers. Schools can also form local community partnerships by working with local leaders and organizations on mutually beneficial initiatives that serve the school and community.====

====Grants are one large way that districts and schools can get funding for much needed technology. Many foundations and educational groups are willing to give ongoing support to program that have proven to be worthy of the funds ("Funding" 2010). The department of education also offers a variety of grants for schools to support technology. They can be found here: @http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html. Donorschoose is also a great website that allows for teachers to post grant proposals for people to sponsor and give money towards items they want for their classrooms. Teachers can ask for technology they need in their classrooms, and people from around the globe can go on and donate money so they can get these items.====