Assignment 5

Classroom Technology Grant Proposal

Niccole West

The University of Alabama

This is a grant proposal for classroom technology for our kindergarten class. My focus is to equip the classroom with tools that will enhance many areas of student learning. The amount I am proposing is for two computers, two tablets, an electronic whiteboard, a printer, a digital camera and listening center items. Funds are needed in the amount of $13,344.73 for the purchase of all the suggested items. 

The first and most crucial item is the electronic whiteboard. I have selected the KIDS-2 60” Interactive Display electronic whiteboard from Kaplan Early Learning. It has a 10-touch interactive screen and comes with a fully loaded computer. It includes Kaplan exclusive Shine Explorations and Circle Time Software offering students 10 fun and educational games. This interactive board and software ensures an engaging, whole group experience. The total for this item is $7,995.95 and this price includes shipping and installation.

For a student computer center, I wish to purchase two desktop computers and a printer. I have selected two of the All in One Touch Computers also from Kaplan Early Learning. This computer is perfect for young learners with its 23” high resolution touch screen. It comes preloaded with educational apps and software and has a built-in webcam, mic and Bluetooth. This type of touch screen computer will provide students with a hands-on learning experience.  These computers are priced at $2,195.95. The printer I believe would best suit our class needs is the HP-Envy 7640 wireless e-All-in-One Printer from Best Buy.  It will allow students to print and scan their documents and pictures wirelessly. This printer is listed for the sale price of $95.00.

The digital camera I suggest is the Sony-DSC-H300 20.1 Megapixel Digital Camera. This camera is compatible with the desktop computers and the printer to make it easy to upload, share, edit and print photos. This will be primarily used by me to take photos to document the student’s art, work and learning experiences. This camera costs $179.99 and is also available for purchase at Best Buy.

The two tablets I have chosen are also found on the Kaplan Early Learning website. They are Little Scholar tablets designed specifically for children ages 3 to 7 years old. They have over 150 preloaded apps, eBooks, songs and videos and access to the Android market to purchase additional apps if so desired. The tablets are password protected and contain parental controls, preventing any unauthorized purchases. These tablets also have a built-in camera and Wi-Fi capability. With USB ports, micro SD card slots and Bluetooth, they are also compatible with the desktop computers and printer. These tablets are $199.95 on the Kaplan website.

The final item I have on the list is a listening center. Wayfair.com offers a Hamilton Deluxe CD Listening Center set for $281.99. The set includes a CD and cassette player with a built-in AM/FM radio and 6 headphone jacks. It comes with 8 noise-reducing headphones with padded headbands and ear cushions. This enables up to 6 students to enjoy the listening center at a time and frees up two headphones to be used with either the desktop computers or tablets when needed.

These items will provide a fun and exciting atmosphere in the classroom that will promote learning and growth. Students will be eager to explore and experiment with all of the new technology at their fingertips. Lessons will actively engage children who will now be able to interact in a variety of ways. These educational tools are more than just a wish list; they are a necessity for an innovative 21^st century classroom.

Item	Cost	Quantity	Vendor
KIDS-2 60” Interactive Display	$7,995.95	1	Kaplan
All in One Touch Computers	$2,195.95	2	Kaplan
HP-Envy 7640 wireless e-All-in-One Printer	$95.00	1	Best Buy
Sony-DSC-H300 20.1 Megapixel Digital Camera	$299.99	1	Best Buy
Little Scholar Tablet	$199.95	2	Kaplan
Hamilton Deluxe CD Listening Center	$281.99	1	Wayfair
Totals	$11,068.83	8	-
Grand Total	$13,464.73	8	-

Assignment 4

   For this assignment, I created my first Wikispaces which can be seen here - Niccole West's Wiki! This assignment proved to be quite challenging for me for a few reasons. I had never even heard of Wikispaces before now and learning to navigate and edit the site was difficult. Even after I had the hang of it, somewhat, it was still tedious for me when making even small adjustments on the pages. Overall, the assignment was fun to do, with learning about a new site which is obviously a great tool for educators, and putting together the lesson plan, which was the most enjoyable part for me. I will continue to explore the Wikispaces website and it's usefulness to me as a future educator.