Public Sector Largely Unaware of Stimulus Fund Availability

Dell has released the results of a recent survey of public sector IT professionals, and it shows a large percentage are not aware of the ARRA stimulus package benefits available to them for technology improvements. The survey cited the likelihood of continuing challenges among IT workers in public healthcare and education.

The Dell survey polled 662 public sector IT workers with specific questions pertaining to information available on ARRA funds for the public sector and their respective subsectors (government, education, etc.), as well as how certain programs might aid in achieving their organization-specific technology goals. The answers and resulting data indicated that, in educational organizations, the needs and challenges that could be addressed by ARRA funding are substantial, and the views unsurprising uniform:

  • 45 percent of K-12 education IT professionals indicated resources are the biggest challenge to modernization;
  • 42 percent indicated budgets were the biggest challenge;
  • Higher education IT professionals similarly rank resources as the largest impediment to modernizing America's educational institutions.

However, the survey also demonstrated a clear disconnect across the board, including in the education sector, between these needs and challenges and the ability to meet them with available funds:

  • 79 percent of those surveyed are only somewhat aware or completely unaware of the impact of ARRA funds on their organizations;
  • 78 percent have found information to be unclear, too generic to be applied to their respective organizations, or altogether unavailable.

Dell has announced plans to try and address many of these problems. Its proposed efforts include an Economic Recovery Web site featuring detailed advice and instructions on which funds are available for which organization types, program types, and specific goals and providing detailed advice and instructions on how to apply for each type of funding.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.