FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

  1. Can any educator apply for this grant?

 

This grant is for Towson University faculty and teachers in Towson’s Professional Development Schools (PDS) who work with pre-service teachers in some capacity.

 

  1. I do not have many pre-service teachers in my classes, but I want to learn how to use technology in my instruction.  Am I still eligible to be part of this project? (For Towson University applicants only) 

 

Because of our federal funding source we must target faculty who teach pre-service teachers, but there are no set percentages of students who must be pre-service teachers. Those applicants with the highest percentage will have priority in this process when all other factors are equal.  If you are unsure, contact Tammy Banerjee (tbanerjee@towson.edu) at 410-704-5985. 

 

  1. Are part-time faculty members eligible for this project? (For Towson University applicants only) 

 

Yes. 

 

  1. Are contingent faculty members eligible? (For Towson University applicants only)

 

Yes.

 

  1. I am interested in being involved in this project, but I will not have a pre-service teacher working with me this year.  Am I still eligible? (For Professional Development School applicants only)

 

You are eligible if you are willing to work with other student interns in your school in some other informal capacity, such as inviting student interns to a faculty in-service where you present your use of technology in your classroom or if you invite student interns into your classroom to observe a lesson from your project that utilizes technology in your teaching.  Your application should clearly describe your plans to actively promote these opportunities. 

 

 

  1. The sample application for my level seems very advanced. Does my project have to include something that sophisticated?

 

The sample applications provided are all higher-level projects. They are for you to look at to get an idea of how specific and clear you should be when applying for this grant. Projects of all types and ranges will be accepted.

 

  1. I have an idea for a project, but I’m not sure what technology I need to have or skills I will need to learn in order to do it. Is there anyone who can help me?

 

You are welcome to call or email Tammy Banerjee, Project Manager (410-704-5985; tbanerjee@towson.edu) or Kim Miller, Project Specialist (410-704-6301; kamiller@towson.edu). They are available to help applicants with any questions regarding the application process or to refine their ideas for a project.

 

  1. How should I submit the application?

 

You should submit your application online.

 

  1. What will my mentor do to help me during the project?  

 

Your mentor should be experienced in working with the type of technology you will learn through this project.  You should meet with him/her about once a week, or as often as needed, to learn the techniques and other information necessary for you to become proficient in using the technology on your own.  You and your mentor should also work together in implementing the use of this technology in your classroom instruction.  

 

  1. How do I go about finding a mentor for this project? (For Towson University applicants only)

 

The Advisory Committee for this project will pair each protégé with a qualified mentor who is also a faculty member at Towson University.

 

  1. How do I go about finding a mentor for this project (For PDS applicants only)? 

 

Find other faculty members in your school that already use the type(s) of technology you would like to learn.  One of these people might be willing to mentor you in this project.  Your school’s Library/Media Specialist might be a good person with whom to start.

 

  1. Can I use the stipend for materials in my classroom or for my school? 

 

The stipend is yours to spend however you wish; however, the money will not be dispersed until the projects are completed at the end of May. 

 

  1. The resources I will need for this project (such as computers, projectors, etc.) are not available at my school.  Can the grant help me get the resources I need? 

 

No, Funding sources do not allow the grant to pay for any hardware.  The grant’s main purpose is not to provide you with resources you do not already have.  However, small software purchase requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (e.g. a single copy/license to enable work at home or on your PC). 

 

 

  1.  What is expected of me to fulfill this grant and receive the full stipend?

 

To receive your full stipend for this project, you will be expected to fulfill all of the Grant Requirements.