Here are 3 Quick Ways to Increase the Digital Technology Count in Your School, in Response to Amanda Taylor’s comment on my Blog post “The Ever Changing Role in Digital Leadership (Kotter Model unpacked)” Amanda asked “In an environment where BYOT is impractical due to extraordinary social poverty, how do we access the hardware to enact the amazing groundswell of pedagogical change the staff are poised to implement? We are desperately trying to instigate innovative teaching and learning on a limited number of devices as our school has no budget to supply the tech hardware. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.”
I have provided Amanda with 3 strategies which I have used to get more hands onto digital technology devices within the schools I have worked. Check out my response back to Amanda.
Hi Amanda,
Yes this is a very interesting issue to face however there are a couple of solutions.
- In South Australian Government Schools, we have the opportunity to apply for our ACE scheme which is an internal procurement process where the department sources possible digital technology options and schools can opt in for a lease type arrangement over 3 years. This then allows a greater purchase of digital technologies immediately with the cost spread over 3 years. This is how I have managed to do this in the schools I have worked.
- You could also look to Computer Recyclers in your state. Whilst you may not be getting the most up to date digital technology equipment, you can build the digital technology capabilities within your site quickly at a reasonable low cost, then begin to budget for a replacement plan over the coming 3-5 years.
- There are often trials/grants with Apple and a range of PC providers which many schools opt into. These do require some dedicated learning paths and often the grants allow for digital technologies to be supplied to the school.
With all of these options Amanda one of the most important points is to strategically plan/map out where the digital technology equipment is most needed and who will be your early adopters so that the momentum takes hold. A well mapped out plan will help you identify where to start the groundswell.
I hope you are going to be able to make it to Melbourne for the Leading a Digital School Conference in August. I would be happy to chat with you more about this there.
Cheers
Rick