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Pilot schools selected for
laptop project
Twenty school
districts, serving 5,046 students, have been selected as pilot
sites for South Dakota’s Classroom Connections project. (See list below at right.) The project provides incentive money
to school districts to initiate one-to-one laptop programs for
their high school students. It is part of Governor Rounds’ 2010
Education Initiative and uses technology funds provided by
Citibank.
“We are
excited to begin working with this pioneering group of
educators,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “Using the technology funds
made available by Citibank, we can offer high tech tools to
teachers and students in this pilot project. Dedicated teachers
and bright, young students deserve the opportunity to succeed,
using these modern tools in the high school classroom.”
Use of laptop
technology is expected to enhance students’ 21st
century skills, according to Secretary of Education Rick Melmer.
These skills include critical thinking and problem solving;
research, writing and communication skills; and technology
literacy.
Thirty school
districts applied to be pilot schools. The 20 selected were
chosen based on their ability to demonstrate a funding source;
providing a plan for ongoing training of teachers; and
demonstrating the commitment of their staff, school board and
community to the project. In addition, the selection committee
sought a cross-section of schools. The selection committee
consisted of representatives from the Department of Education
and Bureau of Information and Telecommunications.
Through South
Dakota’s Classroom Connections project, the state will provide
$1 for every $2 invested by the local school district toward the
purchase of the laptops. The state’s funding is made possible by
a $4 million Citibank donation designated for technology-based
initiatives. Districts will purchase their laptops directly from
the vendor, and the state will reimburse them for one-third of
the cost. Districts will pay $1,207 per laptop, which includes
the hardware, warranty and standard software package, as well as
training for teachers.
“The training component is absolutely critical to the success of
this program,” Melmer said. The Department of Education has
partnered with Dakota State University, a recognized leader in
technology, to provide training at all levels. The Department of
Education also has partnered with the state’s Bureau of
Information and Telecommunications to provide technical
expertise and support for the pilot schools.
Training will
be offered in three phases. In June, an initial training for all
of the districts’ technology coordinators will be held at Dakota
State University. This training will focus on technology and
applications. During July, intensive training for teaching staff
will take place on location at each pilot site. These trainings
will focus on content development and classroom management
appropriate to the use of laptops. In August, the third phase of
training, all participants will return to Dakota State
University for a final session.
“This project
is a perfect example of the education and business communities
working together for the good of our children,” Gov. Rounds
said. “We have state agencies, school districts, universities,
and local and national businesses bringing their expertise to
the table, in order to make this project a success.”
Citibank is
leading the way with its monetary donation. Gateway is providing
its convertible notebook at a discounted price. The PC gives
students the option of using a full-sized keyboard or a digital
pen for handwriting notes directly on the display, resulting in
more dynamic and interactive learning sessions. Microsoft is the
software supplier, while Cisco Systems is offering a discount on
the wireless equipment schools will need. SDN Communications,
based in Sioux Falls, will provide wireless site surveys at a
discounted rate. Technology & Innovation in Education, based in
Rapid City, will lead the evaluation component of the program. School districts
not participating in the pilot program may still take advantage
of the special pricing.
“The classroom
of the future will – and should – require that technology be
immersed within lessons. That day is coming, whether it’s two
years from now or 10 years from now,” Melmer said. “By providing
laptops to students, South Dakota is providing its young people
with a competitive edge as they prepare to enter today’s
fast-paced, technologically advanced world.”
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