A Cost Model: Implementing Technology in New York State Public Schools. A Paper for Discussion.

Despite the potential of technology, it is clear that the benefits of computers, multimedia and telecommunications technology are not as widespread in schools as could be hoped. To ensure that all students and teachers have access to technology, the issue of comprehensive, statewide implementation must be addressed. This cost model for implementing technology statewide was developed in order to push beyond the level of mere discussion and to make the vision of ubiquitous technology a reality. This cost model defines a vision of technology capability and access for schools and students, and then outlines the expenditure required in New York state to fully implement the vision. The intent of this document is not to derive the exact cost for technology implementation, but rather to serve as a starting point for discussion. The three-stage cost model in this paper can give everyone--including local, state, and federal organizations--the ability to define the order of magnitude of cost involved in implementing statewide technology, and provides a firmer basis for discussing priorities and strategies for obtaining support from local, regional, state, and federal representatives. The cost model is built on the following sets of key assumptions, all of which are discussed in detail: educational assumptions, deployment/implementation assumptions, technology assumptions, and fiscal assumptions. Technology cost assumptions include workstation costs, network infrastructure costs, and salary, staff development, and equipment maintenance costs. The appendix provides the detailed cost components for each stage of the model, and includes copies of the spreadsheets used to calculate all costs. (MAS)