As schools rely more and more on technology as an integral educational tool, it’s easy for a district’s technology budget to get out of hand. It’s been estimated that K-12 schools in the U.S. spent between $26 to $41 billion on technology–and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
With technology evolving at such a rapid rate, it can be overwhelming to figure out what your district needs– as well as what to do with existing technology that might be outdated. We’ve got a few ideas for ensuring your school makes the most of the available educational technology without busting your budget.
Start with an audit or site review
When it comes to technology, it can sometimes be hard to see the forest for the trees. That’s where your technology solutions provider can help. Consider having your provider conduct a site review at your school or district. We’ve found that by visiting a site, we can often identify ways to increase efficiency and save money, whether it be through leveraging the technology you’re already using, or replacing it with newer equipment.
Band together
If the schools within your district are not already working together to purchase devices in bulk, consider doing so. Ordering devices in bulk and using a single vendor can save your district money while also streamlining your technology and support needs.
Explore device insurance and warranties
Allocating your school’s dollars to service protection isn’t exciting, but it can save your school a significant amount of money in the long run. By locking in your costs for service and repairs now, you can avoid being surprised with repair costs– not to mention lost productivity– down the road.
For schools with 1:1 device programs, the cost of repairing and replacing damaged and lost devices can be astronomical. Purchasing device insurance is one way to help mitigate those costs. Some schools absorb the entire cost of the device insurance, while others opt to pass at least a portion of the costs on to families.
Consider refurbishing
As you plan to purchase new equipment for your school, think about the areas of your school that need the most cutting edge technology and will endure the heaviest use, such as classroom devices or the computer lab. Older devices that still have some life in them can often be repurposed for lighter jobs, such as a serving as a search device for the school’s library. We can help you identify when it makes sense to invest a little money into extending the lifespan of older devices.
But do phase out obsolete tech
While the life of some technology can be prolonged, it’s generally not worth maintaining outdated technology, like overhead projectors and cassette tapes. Repairing these types of items can be like pouring money into an ailing car– unpredictably expensive, and with little to no return on the investment.
Don’t forget training
It can be tempting to focus on purchasing the most cutting-edge technology for your school. But don’t forget the time and money it will take to train staff and help them adapt to these innovations. Be sure to factor that in as you prepare your school’s technology budget.
We’d love to help you come up with a technology plan for your school. Get in touch to talk about how we can help.