Construction of Technical Standards and Cost Estimation Model for K12 Education Information Technology Equipment Upgrade

Abstract

Currently, K12 education information technology (IT) equipment in China has entered a “peak period of renewal and replacement”. However, due to the lack of unified technical standards and a scientific cost estimation model, schools face blind purchasing and significant waste of funds. This study focuses on balancing the “effect of equipment upgrade and funding”. Through literature review, field research (covering 100 K12 schools in 10 provinces across the eastern, central, and western regions), statistical analysis, and case validation, this study conducts research on the formulation of technical standards and the construction of cost estimation models. For the first time, this study establishes differentiated technical standards for “basic equipment” and “smart equipment”, specifying parameters, safety, and compatibility requirements for basic equipment (e.g., resolution of interactive intelligent blackboards ≥ 4K) and smart equipment (e.g., AI grading accuracy ≥ 98%). Based on a three-dimensional framework of “equipment type, school size, and regional economic level”, a cost estimation model is constructed using multiple regression analysis, with a verified error rate of ≤ 5%. Ultimately, a “standard + model + toolkit” implementation plan is formed. Practice has shown that this plan can increase equipment utilization to over 80% and achieve a funding savings rate of 25%.