Module 2 Forum 

Chapter 3 

1. From your reading assignments, why is professional development important for faculty, technology staff, and institutions?
Professional development is essential for helping faculty and staff integrate technology meaningfully into teaching. According to Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee (2013), “applying strategy and focus to any form of professional development in your school is essential to having meaning and purpose behind your efforts” (p. 65). A clear vision is necessary so that professional development supports 21st-century skills and avoids becoming scattered or ineffective. When properly aligned with school goals, professional development empowers educators to use technology effectively in their classrooms.

2. What professional development are you interested in? Give four specific examples of where you would go to receive it.
I’m interested in professional development that helps me create engaging, real-world learning experiences using technology. One of the core competencies for digitally literate teachers is designing and evaluating learning using modern tools (Whitehead et al., 2013, p. 66). To build those skills, I would attend the ISTE Live Conference for digital integration strategies, join the Apple Learning Coach program for coaching and creativity with Apple tools, complete the Google for Education Certified Trainer Program to improve student collaboration, and participate in EdTech Teacher Workshops for practical training on tools like Canva and Nearpod. These programs would help me grow into a more tech-savvy, student-centered educator.

3. What challenges do educational technology professionals face when planning and budgeting for their institution's professional development?
One of the main challenges is the lack of consistent funding. Whitehead et al. (2013) note that “schools and state educational agencies are often lacking resources and funding needed to support quality professional development” (p. 66). This makes it hard for institutions to offer meaningful, ongoing training. Additionally, collaboration between school districts, universities, and businesses is needed to train future leaders in educational technology. Schools also face the challenge of shifting mindsets, getting teachers and students to embrace new roles and strategies as technology use increases.

Chapter 7 

1. List two examples of each type of funding by researching on your own outside of the textbook: local, federal, state, and corporate/private grant funding.
For corporate/private funding, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers STEM grants that support program fees, teacher training, and resources for K–12 schools. For state funding, the Texas Education Agency awarded a $2.9 million Mobile STEM Lab Grant to expand hands-on STEM access for students. Both of these grants are excellent examples of how schools can obtain external support for educational technology.

2. How does funding type affect your educational technology plan’s goals and objectives?
Funding type determines what tools and programs can realistically be implemented. For example, our plan to use Soundtrap, a digital audio platform for podcasting and music, would likely need grant funding due to subscription and equipment costs. This tool isn’t typically covered in the regular school budget. As Whitehead et al. (2013) explain, “a grant proposal is a request from a private or government source to fund a specific project” and must align with the funder’s mission (p. 176). Choosing the correct type of funding allows us to match our goals, like fostering creativity and collaboration, with available support.

3. What areas within your educational technology plan are you looking to fund with external funding outside your institution? Why? Why not?
We are specifically seeking external funding for Soundtrap. Since the platform requires a minimum of 50 seats with annual licensing, it would be costly without grant support (Soundtrap, n.d.). Internal funds are often reserved for infrastructure and essentials, so creative digital tools like Soundtrap need outside funding to become a reality.

4. What effective finance strategies can be used in your educational technology plan financial management?
Two effective strategies include pursuing corporate donations and joining technology consortiums. Whitehead et al. (2013) state that local businesses often donate hardware or services to schools (p. 195), which can reduce tech costs. Technology consortiums also help schools pool resources, get better pricing, and share professional development opportunities (p. 196). Both approaches help schools stretch their budgets while improving access to quality technology tools

References 

• Project Lead The Way. (n.d.). STEM grants for elementary, middle, and high schools. PLTW. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.pltw.org/stem-grants/

• Soundtrap. (n.d.). Soundtrap for Education: Pricing and FAQ. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.soundtrap.com/edu/

• Texas Education Agency. (2025). $2.9M grant expanding mobile STEM lab fleet for Texas students. Learning Undefeated. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.learningundefeated.org/2-9m-grant-expanding-mobile-stem-lab-fleet-for-texas-students/

• Whitehead, B. M., Jensen, D., & Boschee, F. A. (2013). Planning for Technology: A Guide for School Administrators, Technology Coordinators, and Curriculum Leaders (2nd ed.). Corwin.