Caitlin Maynard

ITEC 8500
Reflection 1.3

1.3 Policies, Procedures, Programs & Funding - research, recommend, and implement policies,
procedures, programs, and funding strategies to support implementation of the shared vision
represented in the school, district, state, and federal technology plans and guidelines. Funding strategies
may include the development, submission, and evaluation of formal grant proposals.
______________________________________________________________________________

In the Spring of 2020 as part of the requirements for ITEC 7410, Instructional Technology Leadership,
I completed a Technology Integration Grant Proposal. I was interested in acquiring funds for digital
audio and video recording equipment and software to use in the Band and Choral classrooms. The
equipment would serve a dual-purpose: first, to document and stream performances for evaluation and
enjoyment and second, to propel students into the 21 st century by building their skills in creativity,
collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. My contribution was to complete a sample
application, which required a thorough description of the need, the possible instructional objectives and
project outcomes, and how, ultimately, the students would see success. I also had to create a proposed
budget with a cost analysis of the equipment, which ended up pricing out at $5,696.97.

As part of the Visionary Leadership standard, Element 1.3 requires research, recommendation, and
implementation of policies, procedures, programs, and funding strategies for the shared vision.
Through the Technology Integration Grant Proposal, I was able to demonstrate my ability to research
appropriate technology equipment that met the needs of the shared vision, specifically to foster 21 st
Century learning skills, SAMR, and student engagement. I also looked into area grant programs, when
they were typically held, the awards that were previously given, and what innovative projects had been
submitted. Knowing that one grant may not be enough, I looked into other funding strategies to
supplement any uncovered cost. After the research step, I created a list of recommended equipment,
materials, and services that were cost-effective while still meeting the goals at hand, which included
fifteen iPads, a Nikon DSLR Camera, SD card, tripods, and an external hard drive. I plan to implement
this project in the Spring of 2021 with my Music and Choral students. The plan is for students to
complete a variety of technology-enhanced challenges that are aligned with the goals of the shared
vision.

In completing this artifact, I learned the ins and outs of grant writing, how there must be strong
instructional objectives connected to the project, and that, overall, it proves to be an engaging and a
worthwhile experience for the students. Technology integration has to be purposeful, especially when
there is a large amount of money used to support it. That is why it is important for clear policies and
procedures to be in place and communicated with everyone involved in the project lest there be any
mismanagement of the appropriated funds. If I could change anything about this experience, I wish that
I had actually turned the proposal in to local grant competitions, such as the Jackson EMC Bright Ideas
program. Instead of anticipating about what could be accomplished with grant funds, I could have
actually received the money by now to put this project into practice.

The impact of this project can be measured through student progress in the completion of “Tech
Tuesday” lessons and Tech Challenges throughout the course of the semester (after receiving the grant
money and equipment). As students demonstrate their mastery of setting up and tearing down the
equipment and using iPad applications to mix audio and video files, they will also report on their efficacy
with these digital tools in terms of 21 st Century Learning skills. Based on student responses on exit
surveys and the required grant “Thank You” letters and testimonials, I will have a true measure of
student learning impact that I anticipate to be positive and encouraging for future projects and grant
proposals.