SMARTer Kids Launches 9th-Annual Technology Grant
01.02.2007—The SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada has kicked off its ninth-annual Connections program for the 2007 to 2008 school year. Connections is a program that awards sixth-grade classes in Canada, the United States and Mexico with technology products and training for teachers. Application's for this year's Connections program are due March 30.
The goal of the Connections program, according to SMARTer Kids, is to encourage "mutual respect and understanding among students, regardless of geographical location, through a year of unique learning experiences and collaboration. In addition to supplying education technology and teacher training, the Foundation also brings teachers and selected students together in May 2008 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for a week of friendship, adventure and learning."
Schools selected for the program receive a SMART Board 680 interactive whiteboard, floor stand, SMART Board software, SMART Ideas concept-mapping software, an AirLiner wireless slate and Bridgit conferencing software. The products remain in the participating schools after the completion of the program.
Eight classes will be selected for the Connections program. Teachers from each school will be brought to Calgary in July 2007 to receive training on the technologies used in the program and will learn how to integrate those technologies into the curriculum. Teachers will also "work together to plan collaborative projects for the coming year." In addition, in spring 2008, some students and teachers will br brought to Calgary, with the trip paid for by the SMARTer Kids Foundation.
Applications for the program are due March 30, 2007. Schools will be notified in April 2007. The application process is open to sixth-grade teachers from accredited, not-for-profit public and private schools in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Further program details can be found at the link below.
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About the author: Dave Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's educational technology online publications and electronic newsletters. He can be reached at [email protected].
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