If
you could see an overview of technology set-ups at schools
around the country, you would see
- Some schools with very old computers, very few
computers, and no Internet connection.
- Some schools with state-of-the-art computer labs and wireless
laptop lending programs.
- Some schools with advanced digital media and video production
labs.
What we're hearing from you is that students have a
lot to say about what they don't have available at their
schools
and what they want and what they need in order to be successful
in school.
As you have realized, technology is changing so fast that
it takes a lot of time and money to keep up with the latest
trends
and equipment. When you buy new hardware, sometimes you also
need new software and you probably need new training on how
to use it.
Whether you're hoping to get new keyboards that don't stick
or digital cameras to add to your lab, this How-to Guide
will help you develop a proposal to share your idea with
your school
community. We’ve started some of the work for you, but
you need to take it from here. Make it work for your school!
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Problem and Proposal 
What is your problem? What is your proposal?
| Problem: |
I cannot use the equipment
at school because the equipment is not good enough. |
| Proposal: |
Get newer better equipment at our
school. |
Print out this worksheet to collect your ideas and
your research for your action proposal. |
 |
Rationale
What reasons support your goal? Some examples might
include:
- Having access to up-to-date computers will
help us more efficiently complete our schoolwork.
- Having access to up-to-date computers will help us
more efficiently prepare ourselves for college and
the workforce.
- Having the same access to technology as other schools
is important so that we can be competitive in the
workforce and not fall behind other students.
- Having equipment that doesn't work takes precious
time away from learning activities. There is already
not enough time during school to finish all that
we want to do.
- Having advanced equipment offers students the opportunity
to learn advanced skills and to express their creativity
in new ways.
What is your school's technology plan? Can you show
how your idea supports your school or district’s
plan for technology?
Read about school technology plans. |
 |
Research
Find examples: How have other schools approached this
problem? Researching other school’s successes
can give you new ideas and help you refine your own
ideas.
For this proposal, your two biggest questions are
going to be (1) "How can we prioritize our wants
and needs?" and (2) "How can our school get
the money for the additional equipment?" See if
you can find ideas from reading about other schools
that have made it work.
Research how other schools
have approached this problem.
Browse the SVRC Success Stories for advice from the student
community.
Collect data: What data can you collect from your own
student community to support your idea? If you can,
organize a student poll to find out your classmates'
interest in new equipment at your school. Some polling
questions might include:
- How strongly do you feel about improvements
to your school's technology? (not strongly, medium,
very strongly)
- Please rank the following new technologies from 1-10.
1 is most needed, 10 is wanted but not needed.
(add 6 computers to the lab, replace broken keyboards, update
our Windows operating system to XP, add a dozen
laptops to the loan library, purchase 25 digital cameras, etc.)
- Would you be willing to pay a yearly $10-$25 technology
fee to pay for these updates? (yes, no)
- Do you think other students would be responsible and
respectful with the new equipment? (yes, no)
Find resources and articles about planning research
projects. |
 |
Obstacles
What other issues do you need to consider?
Read about issues to consider when suggesting change.
|
 |
Details of your
proposal
What is your proposal? Now that
you’ve identified
your goals and completed your research, write a summary
of your proposal. Do you think your school should
invest in a dozen new iMac G5s? Do you think your school
should develop a fully-functional digital video lab?
Do you have ideas about the software needs and maintenance
needs that come along with such a plan? Write up the
details as much as you’ve figured out. |
 |
Support
Think about groups and individuals who would be willing
to support your idea. Some examples may include individual
teachers, student clubs, your school’s PTA,
the student government, service clubs, and local
business groups. Try to think of a group that would
have an interest in volunteering some time to help
you organize or support the computer lab.
Share your research and your proposal and see if these
groups are willing to support you as a volunteer, a mentor,
or even just adding their word of support to your proposal.
|
 |
Make a presentation
A successful presentation summarizes your proposal,
your rationale, and your research. This is what
you are going to use to convince the decision-makers
to support you.
Review the worksheet of what should be in your
action proposal.
See an example of an Action Proposal presentation for getting newer or better
equipment at your school. |
 |
Set up a meeting
Write a letter, make a phone call, or send an
email to set up a meeting with decision-makers to present
your
idea. Your letter should include an introduction of your
proposal and a polite request for a time when you can
share your idea. Explain that you have done research
and have a proposal to share with them regarding your
school’s technology set-up.
Who makes decisions about school use of the computer
lab?
Read a who’s who of school decision makers. |
 |
Present Your Action
Proposal: This is your chance you use your best manners. Remember,
you want to be convincing and likeable. If you’ve
followed the steps in this guide, you are prepared with
good research and support for your ideas. Your job now
is to present your proposal and gain support from decision-makers. |
Have you had success with being involved in planning for new equipment
at your school? Please submit your Success
Story or email
any feedback about this module to
SVRCStaff@netday.org.
You are a star! |
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