1. E-rate and Campus Technology E-rate—What is it and why is it important? And the Campus Technology Plan
2. E-rate. . . Also known as the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund
3. What does it do? The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for technological resources.
4. Why is it important? Makes the following affordable to schools and libraries: Telecommunication services Internet access Internal connections
5. How it works… Schools or Libraries must apply and be approved to receive discounts Once approved, schools or libraries must provide additional resources including end-user equipment, software, etc.
6. Necessary Steps: Determine Eligibility Develop a Technology Plan Open a Competitive Bidding Process Select a Service Provider Calculate the Discount Level Determine Your Eligible Services Submit Your Application for Support Undergo Application Review Receive Your Funding Decision Begin Receipt of Services Invoice USAC
7. Eligibility Requirements: Schools must provide elementary or secondary education May be public or private Must operate as non-profit business Cannot have an endowment exceeding $50 million
9. Funding supplied: Funding is supplied under four categories: Telecommunications services Internet access Internal connections Basic maintenance
10. How to learn more… Visit : Schools and Libraries Program of USAC
11. Campus Technology Plan Goal: Provide current, proven technology to improve the efficiency of learning and provide technological knowledge and skills to students and teachers
12. Main Objectives: Provide on-going staff development for all staff members in technology skill development and technology integration Work with campus staff promoting technology through integration of instruction in classroom and computer lab to help students master Technology TEKS
13. Strategies to help staff: Conduct needs assessments Provide support to teachers Offer computer staff development Ensure computers/internet working STaR assessment Offer different trainings at different levels Offer technology grant opportunities
14. Strategies to help staff: (cont.) Introductions to new hardware/software Provide training as needed Appraisal documentation kept online Providing necessary training
15. Promoting Technology: Utilize computer connected televisions and projectors Lessons modeled by Campus Technology Specialist Teachers encouraged to submit lessons Teachers trained on various programs such as Tumblebooks, Discovery Learning, IXL, Brainchild, BrainPop, etc.
16. Campus Technology Summary: Almost all the objectives have considerable progress or have been accomplished under each goal There are few areas of each objective that only have some progress
