The Financial Cost of Technology in Education

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The Financial Cost of Technology in Education

Think about how much it costs you or your family to keep up with the latest computer technology. Also think about about how much you pay at home for a high speed internet connection. Not to mention, the security, adware, and virus protection software you must purchase to ensure your computer keeps working properly. Consider how much it costs to outfit a single classroom with this technology, or even an entire school.

Schools are still expected to provide books, pencils, and paper; however, they are now also expected to budget in computers, scientific calculators, and DVD players. Computers cost up to one thousand dollars a piece; scientific and graphing calculators cost around one hundred dollars a piece; in addition wiring the schools to accept this new technology can cost thousands. The cost to implement technology into our schools is enormous, tens of thousands per school, and millions per school system. In the 21st century, people are becoming more and more dependent on technology. We rely on computers and cell phones more than books and meeting people face-to-face. The internet is becoming a main source of information and communication. Schools, as the primary educational source, must then teach children at a young age how to use technology as an efficient and effective tool.

In schools’ haste to update and modernize everything, many concerns are overlooked; most notably, the necessity of additional technology and the amount of time and money required for the new technology. In many instances, the cost of technology is far greater than the rewards. The Washington Post reported that D.C. public schools lost $25 million and five years on a failed project to insta...

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...aste.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. May 23, 2004. News; Pg. 1A. Retrieved from Lexis Nexis Academic on 10/18/04.

6. Hare, Mary Gail. “School officials explain rising cost of programs; County must pay the bills for state, federal initiatives.” The Baltimore Sun. August 6, 2004 Friday CARROLL Edition. LOCAL, Pg. 5B. Retrieved from Lexis Nexis Academic on 10/18/04.

7. King, Wayne D. “Taxpayers don’t have to be strangled by the cost of technology in schools.” (1998) New Hampshire Business Review. Vol. 20 Issue 23, p9. Retrieved from MasterFILE on 10/18/04.

8. Fickes, Michael. “How much does technology really cost?” (May, 2004.) School Planning and Management. Vol. 43 Issue 5, Pg. 16. Retrieved from Ebsco on 10/18/04

9. “The Price is Wrong.” (Nov/Dec 1997) Learning journal. Vol. 26 Issue 3, pg. 7. Retrieved from Ebsco on 10/18/04

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