New Classroom Technology Grant puts tablets in students' hands

The Foundation's new Classroom Technology Grants enable Education Minnesota members who work directly with students to purchase tablets for student use. You may request up to $3,000 to buy tablets and resources such as Internet access and apps that support the project.

The deadline is April 13. Grants are awarded after June 1, and funds must be spent by the end of the 2012-13 school year.

Your application must contain a signed Data Sheet, Narrative and budget in table format. You may email a signed and scanned application in PDF format to Dayonna Knutson, the Foundation assistant, at dayonna.knutson@edmn.org.

Preference will be given to projects that will put tablets in students' hands, increase students' use and understanding of technology, and have measurable or observable outcomes.

The Foundation's Board of Trustees, all of whom are active Education Minnesota members, reviews the applications.

Questions to ask yourself before beginning the application process

Are my project team members and I active, dues-paying members of Education Minnesota?
Do I have a reasonable expectation of being in a position to complete this project during the school year?
Do I have the information that leads me to believe that the project I am considering will improve students' use and understanding of technology?
Does my project align with my employer's technology and communication policy? Have I considered security issues and technical support?
Have I considered the need for Internet access, apps, etc. that support my project?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, and you did not request a rebate for your $5 portion of dues designated for the Foundation, you should feel confident that the Foundation will give your project serious consideration.

Questions about the application process? Contact Knutson at 800-652-9073.

Instructions

Your application must address all Narrative topics AND you must complete the Data Sheet.
Use double spacing and Times New Roman 12- or 14-point type. Limit your application to one single-sided page, excluding your budget chart or table.
Your one-page narrative should include the following:
- A description of your project, how you think it will increase the understanding and use of technology for the classroom, and how long the project will last
- A description of the learning environment and who will benefit from this project
- The number of students directly involved in the project
- A description of the observable or measurable outcomes you will use to evaluate your project
- Your budget chart or table
Your application will be reviewed only when it is considered complete -- that is, you submit the Narrative and complete the Data Sheet.
You will be expected to file a final project report at the end of your project. Education Minnesota may use this information to publicize your project.
As the grant recipient, you may use the tablets as long as you are an Education Minnesota member and work directly with students.
Education Minnesota is not responsible for misuse or loss of the equipment.

Deadline
We must receive all applications by 4 p.m. April 13.

Mail your application to:
Foundation grants
Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
41 Sherburne Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55103-2196

Or email it to Dayonna Knutson at dayonna.knutson@edmn.org. Questions? Contact Knutson at 800-652-9073.

January 09, 2012