There are a number of different ways districts can fund projects of this nature. The most direct source is local budget money. The significant issue usually related to local money is the philosophy that the district will support the integration of technology. There is tremendous media attention and research pointing to the idea that there is a need to develop 21st century learners, provide our students with digital learning tools, connect with children who interact with technology while not in school, as well as other documentation that would help a school district develop a focus in the area of interactive whiteboards.

In addition to local funding, there are grant supported opportunities for implementation of the boards. For example, Title I money can be used to expand technology for students. Title IID is direct federal funding for technology which is straight forward to facilitate. Even Title II, which is directed towards teacher quality can be utilized towards the improvement of digital classroom pedagogy. There are also a number of competitive grants available through corporations, businesses and manufacturers. Some of the big contributors include, Best Buy, Toyota, Toshiba, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as local Kiwanas Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and others. Basically, a classroom set-up for the board and projector runs around $2000. Therefore, seeking $5000-$10,000 from any of these organizations can be of tremendous help.

After funding is secured, teachers will need support and hands-on opportunities for learning how to use the boards. The best way to focus professional development for the interactive boards is in the spirit of integration. That is the notion that the hardware is about the delivery of instruction and curriculum. The interactive board is not a separate learning tool; it must be utilized with other areas of the curriculum, as well as the development of hands-on technology skills for children.

Each of the interactive board manufacturers have consultants available for professional development. One of the best formats for professional development with the consultant is a large space, such as a gym. If available, bring in ten boards and set them up in two rows facing each other. You can then have two teachers working at each board and the consultant in the middle of the two rows. Teachers will work together to learn the basics of the board with the support of the consultant. Basics would include, opening the interactive whiteboard software, calibrating the board, creating slides for lessons, incorporating text, uploading graphics/pictures, using the Internet on the board, saving lessons and reopening them on the board, as well as other processes.

Classrooms are also great environments for training with a board. Teachers appreciate real world environments and the immediate transfer of knowledge to the classroom. Even one board can be placed in a room with 5-8 teachers and a consultant. Teachers can then take turns interacting with the board and executing the software. While this approach takes more time, it still works and teachers have a more intimate setting with the board.

Interactive whiteboards can be implemented on a large-scale basis. Funding can come from multiple sources and even donations. Teachers, students and the community will be able to experience this new form of teaching and learning by seeing, touching and manipulating software with the boards