It is wise to conduct a market research when planning technology costs, use the following steps to guide you in this effort:

Define Your Needs

• The first step in any search effort is defining your needs. If you do not know what you want, you will not find it. Ask yourself the questions:

1. What are we trying to accomplish?
2. 2.What information do we need to achieve that goal?
3. 3.How much time and money do we have?

Understand The Vocabulary

• The next step is to generate a list of key words and phrases to use as search terms. Spend some time to understand the vocabulary.. Use references (such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, text books, and handbooks) to help if you are not completely familiar with the research area.

Determine Appropriate Sources for your Purchase

• Find out where you can make the type of purchase. Remember different vendors use different orders of operation.

Cost Compare Options

• Look at the costing from the different vendors. Do not just look at the bottom line. Know what each offer entails.

To assess district technology costs, keep in mind the following elements of your technology plan:

• Infrastructure
• Hardware
• Software
• Professional Development
• Upkeep and Upgrades

Check out the following sites for update on the best prices for parts and equipment.

• Pricewatch
• Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer (© 1997 Dave Krauss, Michigan State University)

In this Module:

In the Toolkit: