Budgetary Provision
Depending on the budget available, a phased implementation of the ICT plan may be more appropriate for some schools. When preparing the budget, ensure that provision is made for purchasing, developing and maintaining ICT hardware, peripherals, networks and software. More specifically, consideration should be given to the following matters:
- The quantity and quality of the hardware to be purchased
- The percentage of the budget required for software (20% recommended)
- The percentage of the budget required to network computers
- The school building changes (wiring, lighting, security) required or desired to support the planned ICT implementation
- The allocation of an allowance to each class/department for ICT resources, such as software and online content subscriptions
In addition, it is important that schools identify the operational (ongoing) costs of sustaining technology after installation. These operational costs should cover the following items:
- Maintenance and technical support
- Consumables, such as printer ink cartridges, paper and disks
- Charges for Internet access
- System upgrades and equipment renewal
