Which is a crucial step in creating a technology budget for a school?

Assessing needs and prioritizing resources is a crucial step in creating a technology budget for a school because it allows for a strategic approach to allocation of funds. This process involves identifying the specific technological requirements of the school and evaluating which resources will best support the educational goals and learning outcomes. By understanding the specific needs—such as hardware, software, training, and infrastructure—schools can prioritize their expenditures to ensure that limited financial resources are directed toward the most impactful areas. This not only maximizes the effectiveness of the budget but also ensures that the technology implemented meets the actual needs of students and educators, fostering an environment conducive to learning.

In contrast, implementing new software without prior assessment may lead to unnecessary spending on products that do not align with the school's needs. Limiting technology use to reduce costs could hinder educational advancement and learning opportunities. Focusing solely on hardware acquisition ignores the broader picture of technology integration that also includes software and support services, which are equally important for achieving educational objectives.