Frequently Asked Questions
A: The Innovative Classrooms Technology Funding was sent out on September 15, 2008 and is listed in the Racers report as “Innovative Classrooms Technology”. A breakdown is also listed under the General Revenue Fund Payments section.
Q: Can existing equipment be used to create/contribute to these classroom environments?
A: Yes, existing equipment that is capable of accessing and running current learning applications can be used to create/contribute to these classroom environments.
Q: Can this funding be used for technologies other than those referred to in the document?
A: Yes. After all of a jurisdiction’s classrooms have been upgraded to meet the minimum standard specified in this program (see Funding Criteria above), it can use the funding to purchase other classroom technologies.
Q: Can this funding be used for the installation of classroom technologies?
A: Yes. This funding is targeted towards classroom technology, which includes installing it for classroom use.
Q: Can this funding be used for professional development?
A: Yes. Jurisdictions are encouraged to use their discretion and local context to allocate the funding. Ensuring that both teachers and technical support staff have the skills necessary to implement the technology and integrate it into teaching and learning supports Alberta Education’s vision.
Q: For the purposes of this funding, what is defined as an instructional space?
A: Instructional space is defined as space used on an on-going basis by instructors to deliver education programs. It includes regular classrooms, science and art rooms. It excludes such space as gymnasia, unused or infrequently used classrooms, storage, corridors and administration offices. Jurisdictions are encouraged to use their own local context in determining which areas need to be equipped with technology.
Q: Can this funding be used for technology infrastructure?
A: No. This funding is designed to ensure that all Grade 1 to 12 classrooms in the province are equipped with technologies to promote innovative teaching and learning. Funding was provided to jurisdictions in January 2008 to support technology infrastructure.
Q: Can this funding be used to create additional computer labs?
A: No. This funding is designed to ensure that all Grade 1 to 12 classrooms are equipped with technology, and give students and teachers the tools they need to use technology in classroom learning.
Q: Can this funding be used to purchase software?
A: Yes, provided the software being purchased is specifically intended to increase the functionality and instructional use of the technology being implemented.
Q: Do jurisdictions have to tender for these technologies from Ministry approved vendors?
A: No. Alberta Education Standing Offers (ESO’s) have been established by the Ministry to reduce the administrative efforts by jurisdictions to tender for these technologies. The Ministry will continue to consult with stakeholders and equipment manufacturers to ensure that the products identified on the ESO’s are aligned with jurisdiction requirements.
Q: What will the funded student count be based on?
A: The student count used to determine funding will be based on the 2007/2008 frozen funded student enrollments as of the end of May 2008. The funding amount allocated to each jurisdiction will be the same in all three years. This will provide boards with certainty when making their plans for technology implementation.
Q. Will the student count used in the funding calculation include ECS students?
A. No, this program is specifically for Grades 1 to 12 and the student counts that will be used in the funding calculation will be based on those grade levels only.
Q: When will funding for this program be released?
A: First year funding for this program will be released in September 2008. Year 2 funding will be released in September 2009 and Year 3 funding will be released in September 2010.
Q. Is this new funding or is it part of the $35 million that was announced in January 2008 for Technology Infrastructure ($25 million) and Technology in the Classroom ($10 million)?
A. This program is new funding to be used specifically for the Innovative Classroom Technology program and is not tied to any other funding program.
Q. If I already have some schools in my jurisdiction that completely meet the Innovative Classroom Technology standard outlined in the information package, can I use the funding to provide additional classroom technologies in those schools before all of the other instructional spaces in the jurisdiction have been upgraded to the standard?
A. No, all instructional spaces in the jurisdiction must be upgraded to the minimum standard before using any residual funding to add additional classroom technologies.
