Understanding Purchasing and Funding Costs related to technology are often substantial and may require school leaders to learn new skills and concepts around appropriating and budgeting funds. You should be aware of the many hidden costs of technology programs and how these costs change over time. This lesson will help you make the most of your technology dollars. Did You Know? Additional help for understanding technology budgeting issues may be obtained from most state departments of education. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education provides a great deal of helpful information on the Office of Educational Technology Web site and sponsors regional educational laboratories and technology consortia to help educators better meet the demands of teaching in a technology-dependent world. State Technology Officers and Directors Regional Educational Laboratory Network Network of Regional Technology in Education Consortia