21st Century Skills

Upon review of the organization, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, I was refreshed in learning of an organization that is working in partnering with states across the country to implement a technology driven school and classroom environment. This organization works with modifying district curriculum to incorporate more real life technology pieces while still meeting state learning objectives. And it doesn't just modify the curriculum, it also gives teachers extensive training in each of the technology pieces that will be implemented, constant support, and strategies for daily use! I think it is a teacher's dream professional development - something that you actually learn from and use in real life. Yaaaayyyyy!!!!
My my concern with this program is cost, as I'm sure a lot of readers might have had. States have been forced to make so many budget cuts to districts funding, I'm just wondering how this seemingly great investment would be possible especially in more urban or lower tax bracket areas.
At my present position in an urban Detroit charter school this would be a great accompaniment to the curriculum. It would teach me how to teach students how to have an edge in obtaining higher educational goals as well as career goals. My school is an entrepreneurial based academy, preparing students to be independent business owners in the future. This organization would prepare them to be global business leaders who effectively run financially viable companies.
Please view the following links about the organization and tell me what you think:

http://www.p21.org/
http://www.p21.org/downloads/P21_Report.pdf

Classroom Ideas

In my 6th science classroom currently we are studying the effects of weathering (both chemical and physical) and erosion. Over the weekend, students have an assignment to visit a graveyard and analysis the effects of weathering on a tombstone that is between 100-200 years old versus one that is 100 years or younger. Students can sketch their observations or take pictures of their findings, both options include a description of each tombstone and a Venn Diagram analysis. I thought it would be a great idea next year for students to blog on their findings and upload pictures of what they observed. This would allow students to see what their peers discovered that they have overlooked and compare their photo findings to others.

Lack of Resources

In my classroom our internet terminal is down. The computer lab needs new equipment to say the least. How can I still implement technology in the classroom to keep students interested in class concepts?