The future is now

Pilot sites wanted for laptop project

Applications to become a pilot site for the Governor’s 2010 Education laptop project – Classroom Connections – are now available. More than 60 school districts recently attended a session outlining the details of the project.

“This initiative levels the playing field, so that students who don’t have access to computers at home now have the same opportunities as their peers,” said Dr. Rick Melmer, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education. “It will help our students develop critical 21^st century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, research and communication.”

According to Melmer, a laptop classroom has the potential to transform the educational process – making it more relevant and engaging for students. “The teacher becomes more of a facilitator, and students become more engaged and self-directed,” Melmer said.

Through the Classroom Connections project, the state will pay one-third of the cost of laptops for students in grades 9-12. The district would be responsible for the remaining two-thirds. The same arrangement holds true for teachers’ laptops. Finally, the state would provide for initial professional development for teachers, administrators and technical support people.

The state hopes to reach 5,000 to 10,000 students in the first year of the pilot program.

Districts interested in applying to be a pilot site should e-mail Wade Pogany at the Department of Education, wade.pogany@state.sd.us. The application request must come from the district superintendent or chief executive officer. Completed applications will be due back to the department May 15. Pilot sites will be announced May 22.