Expiration Dates How do you handle aging technology in your schools? Develop a plan for retirement. Retire in phases. Just like milk in your refrigerator, technology gets old. Even though it might look new from the outside, over time it becomes "stinky" inside, just like sour milk. Do you have "expiration dates" for your technology? Does this help or hinder the acquisition of new technology? What's realistic?   You've really got two options when it comes to technology. You can develop a living, working technology plan. Or, you can cross your fingers and pray.   Ringmaster Quote If it's green, it's biology If it stinks, it's chemistry If it has numbers, it's math If it doesn't work, it's technology When it comes to money for new technology, there are pros and cons to different programs.   Big Infusions. It's nice to get a big chunk of money from a local, area, or government agency. Maybe you can find a big grant or generous parent. The advantage of a large infusion of money is that you can get lots of stuff. The disadvantage is that you never know when you might have money again. Although this approach can get you ahead in the short run, you'll soon fall behind without a continous influx of money. Big chunks are fun, but they don't lead to the evolution of a technology program.   Chunks of Technology. Many schools receive periodic chunks of money through traditional budgets or small grants. The advantage of this approach is that you can get what you need, when you need it. The problem comes with large projects that require big funding. It's easy to say: when we get a grant, we'll fund... and the funding never comes. When you get small chunks, it's sometimes the squeaky wheel that gets the grease rather than the larger need. Using ongoing funding requires good technology planning, so that your program can keep on track.   Hand-Me Downs. Some schools are stuck with hand-me downs. You're constantly buying and shifting equipment around. The advantage to this plan is that repurposing equipment adds life. The down-side is that quiet people seem to lose and never get quality resources. This can also lead to bad feelings between business education and the other faculty or secondary versus elementary programs. Again, a good technology plan is important.   Expiration Dates How do you handle aging technology in your schools?   Do It!   How do you identify aging equipment? Discuss alternative approaches to dealing with aging technology.