Cheap Computers in My Classroom?

richeddy asks: "I am going to start teaching elementary school in the near future. As a new teacher, I have the crazy idea that I might be able to actually teach my students a few things that other teachers just don't seem to be able to teach. This involves teaching methods that might be a bit unconventional. To this end, I am interested in building and installing a network of classroom computers that the students can use in real-world ways. That's right, no glorified flash cards in my classroom! I want my students using computers for research, presentations, writing, data collection and analysis, etc. In order to do this, I am going to have to personally foot the bill for the hardware and software. So I am looking for suggestions on what direction to go. I figure that I will need 5-7 computers to accomplish my vision, and I can't imagine paying for Windows and Windows apps. It looks like my only real option is to build the systems myself, which isn't a problem. Any ideas? Suggestions? Comments?"

Re:You're taking a big chance

[umStefa]

Another issue to look at before you start spending time and money on technology for your students you will need find out what limitations the school division's computer policy places on you.

In many divisions only division approved equipment/software may be used in schools. You may need to justify every little detail of your plan to the divisions IT department (even if you are using your own money)