The lack of technology in schools can be tough for some teachers, but there are plenty of strategies for teachers to increase the impact of the tech tools that they do have.

"School districts in the United States spend billions of dollars each year to purchase technology for the classroom, yet the lack of technology and internet access in the nation’s public schools continues to be an issue," said an article on eschoolnews.com. "Often, a teacher who is faced with little technology in the classroom will feel overwhelmed and will resort to more traditional teaching methods."

Writer Elaine Plybon, a Facilitator of Transformative Learning at Keller ISD in Texas, provides eight innovative ideas for the tech-strapped teacher. The first idea is "making do with what we have [and possibly spending a couple bucks]."

"Today, regardless of the type of device you find in your classroom, there is an adapter that can connect it to a television or to a discarded computer monitor," the article said. "More importantly, a cheap wireless mouse has a range as large as most classrooms. Handing the mouse around the room turns that television into an interactive screen."

Another idea the article recommends is for teachers to "use free resources."

"This may seem obvious, but I see teachers and administrators spending money on apps and subscriptions without hesitation," said the article. "I have found that, most of the time, an app that costs money or a website that charges for a subscription often has a competitor that is free. While it is true that you get what you pay for, many of these free providers are getting paid, just not by you. Investors seek the opportunity for philanthropy and teachers and students benefit."

One last idea is "integrating technology with one device."

"Using a short video clip with the audio removed can be a meaningful summative assessment when a student is tasked with recording, or even writing on a piece of paper, the narration for the video," the article said. "Creating an interactive presentation with images and hyperlinks can increase engagement when students are asked which image the teacher should click on next. None of these strategies require internet access, either, so even the most technology-poor classroom can incorporate these solutions."

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Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor