Education Classroom Library

Applying Technology To Lifelong Learning

August 2002

By Drs. Jane & Michael Madden
Francis Marion University

Are you trying to increase student and teacher skills in applying technology to lifelong learning, especially when it comes to exploring or expressing knowledge in science, math, engineering, and technology? The Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) grant competition is an exciting funding opportunity from the National Science Foundation (NSF) you don¹t want to miss out on.

The ITEST has three components: (a) youth-based projects with strong emphases on career and educational paths; (b) comprehensive projects for students and teachers; and (c) Resource Center(s) that engage in research related to funded projects, provide technical support for ITEST projects, and have responsibilities for national dissemination of project models, instructional materials, and best practices.

In terms of the Youth-Based projects, the request for proposal (RFP) specifically states that it is looking for "innovative and creative models for engaging students in meaningful learning experiences." What is critical about this component is that there is a recognition that lifelong learning doesn¹t occur just as result of being in school forever. People need to get in the habit of learning and expressing that learning. The NSF is looking for projects that engage students in such a way that the energy for learning also emanates from the students themselves. In this sense, especially, multimedia is a powerful ally.

What is also interesting about the RFP is the discussion of the project characteristics noted for youth-based projects. The NSF is asking participants to go beyond the usual word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation software, and Internet applications to the more exciting opportunities available. They make specific mention of multimedia authoring as one of the desirable elements.

So who can apply? Quite a wide array of groups and organizations including schools, universities, museums, zoos, science and technology centers, and community agencies are eligible to submit a proposal. A six-page preliminary proposal is due October 17. "Supported projects are intended to provide opportunities for both school-age children and for teachers to build the skills and knowledge needed to advance their study, and to function and contribute in a technologically rich society." Final proposals are not due until January 31, 2003 and the final proposal length is pretty short.

What about cost-sharing? Okay ­ you definitely want to know how much money you have to raise to act as match for the money the NSF might award your proposal. The answer to this question is that there is no cost-sharing required in this competition. That¹s great news for those on tight budgets! Having said that, they would like you to identify what other budgetary sources you are going to use in addition to the NSF money. They would like to know that the projects have a likelihood of continuing after the federal funding has discontinued. Keep in mind that this could include in-kind funding from organizations such as access to equipment, computers, rooms, etc. Those elements also have value.

How much money is involved? Youth-Based Projects and Comprehensive Projects for Students and Teachers are expected to last from two to three years. Funding for Youth-Based projects will be up to $300,000 per year for that time period. Comprehensive projects will be funded for up to $400,000 annually. In other words, most proposals will be funded to the tune of around $1 million over the life of the program.

There is an immense need for the type of activities being requested in this grant. eZedia would be an excellent resource in the development of a successful proposal. Read the entire RFP and you¹ll probably see, as I did, that there are numerous ways that eZedia could provide the competitive edge you want.

About the Authors
Dr. Jane Madden is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Francis Marion University and is the Director of the Grants Development Program on campus. Dr. Michael Madden is a Professor in the School of Education. No remuneration was received for the writing of this article.