Project Implementation Blog Entry
CEP 812
Lial Miller
28 July 2009
I have finally written the first step in attempting to obtain a Grant through the RGK Foundation. I knew it would be difficult to find somebody to take on such an elaborate project as the “Smart Cart” presents, but I did not think it would be this hard. I looked at everything from the National Endowment for the Arts to State Grants. There are a lot of philanthropists that would take on portions of a “Smart Cart,” but only parts and I am determined to try for the whole thing.
So far, there have been no “Unexpected Bumps,” because I had no expectations. I knew that my choice of targets would prove a challenge, and I love challenges. I once had a college instructor tell me that a “Smart Cart” would be a good target and I want to try to live up to that.
I have found a lot of people very accessible and willing to offer information when it came to the components that make up a “Smart Cart.” Some were just doing their jobs as sales people, but very pleasant in their professionalism. Others were just willing to offer information, even though it had no reward for them. Most notably would be the Technology Department at The University of Michigan-Flint. The lead technician listened to my inquiry and promptly sent an e-mail outlining the components that Michigan uses on its “Smart Carts.”
Some of the components I have been looking at are:
The Portable SMARTBOARD The DVD/VCR Player The Cart itself
A Possible Projector Screen An Image Camera The Computer
And lastly, the Electronic Letter of Interest I have drafted looks like this:
Prior to submitting the inquiry, we ask that you check to make sure you are satisfied with the information. If you wish to make changes, Click the EDIT button below. If everything is satisfactory, please print a copy now for your records and then click on the SUBMIT button. Please note that RGK Foundation will not be able to respond to your Letter of Inquiry if you do not provide a functioning email address.
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Previous funding from RGK Foundation / No
Organization Name / Lansing School District - AMPE Department
Contact Name / Lial Miller
Contact Email /
Contact Title / Art Teacher
Phone Number / 517-755-1000
Fax Number / 248-975-4288
Address / 519 Kalamazoo
Lansing, MI 48933
Web site address / http://lansingschools.net
Organization's Mission / The Art, Music, Physical Education Department (AMPE) teaches the physical and cultural diversities of the world while adhering to the Lansing School District curricula.
Year Established / 1970
Organization's History / The AMPE Department was established to provide teaching specialists in the areas of Art, Music and Physical Education. These specialists are to teach different forms of each genre, displaying the broad cultural diversities that are present throughout the world.
Organization's Programs and Activities / The AMPE Department is a "living" oganization and its programs change to meet the need for each environment. Lessons taught to the students vary between schools and grades, but should display the different approaches, different ethnicities take in developing their own cultures.
Current annual operating budget / $10 per student, per school year
Project title / "Smart Cart" Educational Technology
Project Description / As traveling teachers, the AMPE Department finds it very hard to implement technology into the classroom. The differences between schools and classrooms presents itself with many complications which most can be addressed with the implementation of a "Smart Cart." A "Smart Cart" is a portable technology center, complete with: * Computer with internet access * Video projection system, complete with screen or SMARTBOARD * DVD/VCR player * I-Clicker Student Response System * Remote control capabilities * The cart itself. By using this technology the AMPE Department teachers can bring their lessons up into the 21st Century, instead of using Mid-20th Cuentury techniques. Measurable goals will be seen in: 1.) Student interest, by reaching the multiple intelligences in the classroom. Gaining the interest of the students will present greater/deeper projects turned in for grading. 2.) Greater Cultural Diversity in lesson plans. With technology available in the classroom, AMPE teachers will be able to develop and implement more in-depth assignments showing how diverse the world really is. 3.) Immediate results on tests/quizes, developing greater confidence. The I-Clicker component will permit development of silent technological testing with immediate computation of results. The "Smart Cart" will also be available for core curriculum teachers as well as staff development sessions. This portable technology has as many options as there are imaginations wishing to use it.
Project established / July 2009
Use of funds / Establish new project
Total Project Budget / $15000
Amount requested / $15,000.00
How will funds be allocated in the project budget? / The funds received from the RGK Foundation would be spent solely on the "Smart Cart" Educational Technology. No outside expeditures will be expected.
Percentage of total project budget / 100%
Amount of funding committed to date / $0
Date project will begin / 07-28-2009
Date project will end / 07-28-2010
Geographic region served / Lansing, Michigan
Target population served / K-8th grade students
Type of Support Requested / Computer systems/technology
Program Area / Pre K - 12 Education
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