Instructional Technology for Rural Schools: Access and Acquisition

Integrating instructional technology into all classrooms has the potential to transform modern education and student learning. However, access to technology is not equally available to all districts or schools. Decreased funding and budgetary restraints have had a direct impact on technology acquisition in many rural school districts. One of the critical issues for obtaining instructional technology is to identify the most cost effective resources possible. Compared to larger school districts where funding allocations for technology may be readily available, rural districts have unique needs and may have to rely on alternate funding for instructional technology needs. This article addresses instructional technology types and availability, procurement options, and school or classroom grants available to rural school districts.