ARRA Highlight: Bryant invests in high tech learning
Bryant School District leadership knew more technology was needed in the schools’ classrooms; they just didn’t have the funding. While the district had kept up with advances the best it could through wise use of regular appropriations and grants, the schools were still lacking many tools to maximize learning and to expose students to current technology.
Enter the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Arkansas’ allowance for a significant portion of the federal funds to be directed toward educational improvements.
When the money’s availability was announced in early 2009, a team from the district determined which purchases would have the most impact and submitted their proposal, one of the first districts in the state to do so. Their well-researched request was approved, and the district ordered nearly $1 million in computers, computer-based equipment and software, most of which was delivered in October.
“Students expect technology in the classroom. They interact with technology in every other aspect of their lives; it’s how they learn. In order for them to be engaged in the classroom, up-to-date technology has to be there as well,” said Jessica Norris, Communications Director for the district.
The following are just some of the items the ARRA money allowed the district to purchase:
• 600 Apple laptops to be used for in-classroom learning, allowing most students in the district hands-on access.
• 60 iPod Touch devices to be used in science instruction and to replay lectures.
• 181 REDCAT classroom audio enhancement systems, allowing at least one unit for every elementary school in the district.
• 15 SMART boards – or interactive white boards – with Texas Instrument navigator systems to be used in high school classrooms, and 111 interactive Mimio boards for elementary and middle school classrooms.
“We’ve already received everything we ordered and are getting the systems in the classrooms as quickly as possible,” Norris said.
Posted by JJT.
