Innovation and Mini-Grant Application Time 08/2012

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This blog entry shares 3 things:

1. Announcement about the LeRoy Smith Teacher Mini-Grant Program
2. Sources for Innovative Ideas
3. Technology Department Support

#1 - Mini-Grant Program Announcement

The following was shared with me and I thought it worth posting here:

MINI-GRANT APPLICATION TIME

It's time to apply to the LeRoy Smith Teacher Mini-Grant Program for monies to purchase innovative items that will assist you in your classroom as you strive to increase student achievement and engagement. 

Attached you will find a letter and the application.  All applications are due by September 14 at 4:00 pm.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Debbie Walker at the Central Office (210) 648-7861.

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#2 - Sources for Innovative Ideas
Some ideas for innovative items that could really have an impact on teaching and learning include the Apple iPad! If this is something that you are willing to get involved in, consider some of these sample proposals written by other educators....wouldn't it be neat to include proposals from ECISD teachers for next year's round?

• iPad Adventures in Lower School - This is a proposal for kindergartner use of iPads, very detailed.
• Fifth Grade iPad Grant Proposal - From the proposal..."We would like to create a digital classroom in fifth grade, in the hope of reducing and eventually eliminating paper use, increasing student technical literacy, developing student independence, increasing skills in group work, and extending their learning beyond the classroom. In order to do this, we would like to purchase a classroom set of iPads and supporting Apps."
• High School Social Studies Proposal -A lot of flash but few details.
• Professional Learning iPads - This may lie outside the bounds of the mini-grant, but may provide some creative ideas.

There are MANY other ideas and resources online. You can find  those online via curated content on Evernote.

#3 - Technology Department Support
Once you've completed your application, you'll need to know how to go about finding out the costs for equipment. To facilitate this for campuses, we've put resources online for you at:

Use the following information to review hardware/software recommendations.

Mobile Devices (e.g. iPods and iPads)

• Apple iPod Touch and/or iPad
• iOS SyncStation Recommendation*

**NOTE** Please be aware that iPod Touch and iPad purchases must include an iOS SyncStation. Be sure to include that in your mini-grant budget.

Computers and Peripherals

• Desktop/Laptop/Netbook Computers (Mac or Windows OS)
• Technology Peripherals (e.g. printers, digital audio recorders, digital still cameras, digital video cameras, cables)
• Common Software

Need Help or Clarification?
Please note that should you need help, you can reach the Technology Department at 210-649-2343 or via email. Here are some folks to make contact with:

iOS Devices (iPod Touch and iPads): 

• Marguerite Lowak - marguerite.lowak@ecisd.net
• Mary Ray - mary.ray@ecisd.net
• Jill Sievers - jill.sievers@ecisd.net