There are many ways for teachers to get more technology for their classroom. Equipment provided by the school district is too often outdated. However, if teachers are proactive there are ways to obtain state-of-the-art technology for the classroom. Technology in the classroom helps a teacher present lessons that allow students to do research online and maximize learning.
Website to Help Teachers
Check out the website www.AdoptaClassroom.org to get help obtaining supplies and technology for your classroom. Do a google search to find out new sites of this sort too.
Grants
There are federal and state grant programs to help
teachers fund technology purchases. Do a Google search under “Grants for teachers” and “funding for technology for teachers” and the name of your state and you may find some very interesting grants to pursue.
Donation of Technology
Many businesses update their technology every year and would be willing to donate the still very new used computers to a school if someone asks them. It is easy enough to tell some friends and coworkers that you are in need of computers. Often someone will know a person who might be willing to donate computers to the school.
Fund Raising
Hold a fund raiser with the goal of purchasing new technology with any funds raised. You could raffle off gift baskets, or other items (you may be able to get them donated). You may also want to create a flyer to hand out to inform anyone you know that you are accepting donations for funding for classroom technology.
Community Outreach
Ask the school district if they have someone involved in community outreach who could help spread the word that the school would like to receive donated computers. You may also want to ask if you could do community outreach work to help the school district during the summer months.
Network
Inform everyone you know about the supplies you would
love to have donated to your classroom. People like to help schools; they just need someone to ask them to help to get started. So spread the word that your classroom needs computers or books, or other supplies and you may receive the pleasant surprise that you will be receiving a donation.