Offer stable, flexible support
Ideas for developing technical support infrastructures
 
Ideas from Chicago and Detroit:
E-rate helps connect schools in Chicago and Detroit. Detroit's Technology Leadership programs create school-level expertise.

Technology Resource Network staff (TRNs) in Chicago provide technology training and guidance to schools.
Resources from other areas:

Federal E-rate program
http://www.ed.gov/Technology/eratemenu.html

GenY model (train-the-trainer program) in Seattle
http://www.genyes.org/genwwwy/

McREL hot topics in technology and education http://www.mcrel.org/resources/links/techined.asp#funding

Benton Foundation's Best Practices Toolkit: Technology Funding
http://www.benton.org/practice/toolkit/techmoney.html
Take advantage of discount services

In both Detroit and Chicago, most technology from the district level has been paid for via E-rate monies.

In Detroit, E-rate funds paid for $15 million in technology infrastructure, with a proposed $14 million for the upcoming third year of the program.
Although this funding pays for district WANs and connections to the district server, schools are responsible for the development and maintenance of their own LANs.
Provide "train-the-trainer" programs
Those who participate in the Technology Leadership Program in Detroit are equipped to serve as ambassadors and extensions of the support the District's Office of Educational Technology staff provide.
Districtwide training opportunities focused around commercial education products, such as MarcoPolo, MayaQuest, and ThinkQuest, are sponsored by the district office, and a preview library responds to requests to obtain and preview new software and to recommend academically sound URLs.

Detroit Public Schools (DPS) also provides speakers to address parent groups and others on technology integration and promotes project-based learning activities and school partnerships to engage in collaborative projects.
Connect with schools through field staff
Technology Resource Network staff (TRNs) serve as a link between the district and schools in Chicago because they are routinely in the schools. The TRN role is primarily that of teacher trainer, but TRNs also answer technical questions and help schools prepare technology plans.
TRNs also assist with E-rate applications and implementation and feedback on new school technology initiatives. TRNs meet with principals at their regional meetings once a month as a technology resource, and once a year they sponsor half-day sessions with principals on what is new in technology. Staff at Bogan High School credit their TRN with keeping them informed about developments in the district.

Von Steuben Center also receives considerable support from its TRN. Although Von Steuben shares its TRN with more than 20 other schools, the school’s technology coordinator speaks with their TRN on a weekly basis to get advice on equipment and network configuration and to stay apprised of district policies and opportunities for training and other supports.